What can it accomplish that we can't? Why should we belong to a state and national organization when we just want to help our children in our own school?

Here are some answers:

Unified action

PTA can provide a unified attack on major problems, a unified push to improve legislation, an opportunity to act as a forum for ideas, a chance to meet with others and air mutual problems.

Information available

PTA cooperates with other state and national organizations concerned with family and child-oriented programs. Therefore, there is no need to spend hours doing research on local problems needing solutions when a postage stamp or telephone call can put you in touch with your district, state, and/or National PTA. The assistance of experts from all over the country is at your disposal.

Not all problems can be solved locally

Most laws affecting the welfare of children are made at the state level, not by the local government. As part of a state and National PTA, the local units extend their influence beyond their neighborhood and help secure state and national action for the benefit of all children, not only their own children.

PTA cares

About schools as well as children's homes and out-of-school influences that mold children's attitudes and behavior. PTA understands the importance of parent involvement in the education of children and works to enhance the types of involvement available for parents.

PTA speaks

For all children in all parts of the state and nation - not only for a small group concerned with a few children. How much influence can a local group have with state and national agencies and legislative bodies?

PTA has a name

We've been around since 1897 - long enough to be recognized as a powerful force working for children. When you join the PTA, you immediately become a member of both the state and organizations as well as your local unit. It is through membership in the New York State and National PTAs that you, your unit, and, most importantly, your children will benefit.

What’s the difference between PTAS and Non-PTA Parent Groups?

The New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc.® (NYS PTA)PTAs are formally associated with both the state and national chapters of PTA, an organization founded in 1879.

Local New York PTAs pay dues of $3.50 per member, with $1.75 going to the state chapter and $1.75 going to the national branch. To remain "in good standing”, local PTAs must follow the bylaws of the state and national organizations, pay their membership dues and insurance payment. Local PTAs are self governing and bylaws and procedures help focus members on the mission of the organization. PTA is a volunteer, not-for-profit entity and no one receives a salary, not even the national or state president and their executive committees.

Parents opt to affiliate with a PTA because the network offers benefits, resources and training, and because the organization's national and state profile gives local parents a voice in national education policy debates. PTA has and is currently affected policy ranging from NCLB to IDEA to the State Education Department Family Involvement Policy to improved charter school legislation to early childhood initiatives to school lunch programs to adequate state aid for public schools. The NYS PTA and the NPTA volunteers speak every day for every child with one voice, continuing its one hundred and ten year advocacy effort to improve every child’s life.

Non-PTA Parent Groups

In recent decades, some parent organizations have opted to organize as Non-PTA Parent Groups which are a wholly local organization. They are not affiliated with, and not responsible to, any other organization. The only real advantage is that they keeps the $3.50 per member.

Companies such as PTOtoday exist to provide fee-based benefits, resources and training to Non-PTA Parent Groups, but no group is obligated to seek outside assistance or abide by the bylaws of any other organization. They tend to focus on the needs of local schools and do not get involved in national education policy debates.

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