Why join
PTA?
1. To help and
encourage your child!
Research has
shown that the most important indication on how well a child will do
in school is the level of parental involvement in that child’s
education. This does not mean that you have to perpetually volunteer
for PTA programs (although that certainly would be nice) or be at
school all day. Just being a member of PTA offers support for the
organization. Membership gives us a louder and more effective voice
in Springfield and Washington D.C.
2. To help all
children!
The primary
mission of the PTA is to advocate for ALL children. Why is this
important to you? We,
as a society, need to understand that ALL children really are our
future. We need to make sure that ALL children will become
contributors to our society, because we never know who will be
affecting us in the future.
3. The
affordable, inexpensive dues have a huge payoff!
The State and
National portion of the dues ($3.25 per member per year) provides
most of our funding. The dues are comprised of National ($1.75),
State ($1.50), plus a local unit portion. The local units decide how
much to charge, but in most cases the total cost is less than $10.00
per year.
What do you get
for your dues?
• Membership in an organization that advocates exclusively for
ALL children
• You stay on top of legislative issues concerning
children.
• You get results! With your support…
√ We
successfully advocated for the lower legal drinking
limit.
√ We
were instrumental in putting the school bus arms on buses, which
saves children’s lives and prevents injury.
√ We
supported the passage of vicious dogs laws.
√ We
successfully advocated for a Department of Juvenile Justice
Department in Illinois.
• You have someone to call if you need assistance.
• You have free training and workshops available.*
• You receive print resources.
• You have a chance to meet with others who share your
concerns and celebrate success.
All of this —for
only $3.25 per member per year!
4. It’s
fun!
While you may
work hard at times, PTA volunteers usually have fun doing their
jobs. And there are so many different opportunities that there is
something for everyone. It can range from helping out at a fun fair,
getting together to cut Campbell Soup Labels, helping in a
classroom, or giving a presentation to the School Board. You'll meet
other parents, share parenting tips, and develop leadership
skills.
*Units may be
asked to cover mileage cost for the presenter, which is dependent on
the amount of miles traveled.
Why be a
PTA?
1. You are not
alone!
There is always someone you can contact with
questions. Someone will have the answer or know how to get one.
Trained volunteers are available to assist with programs, problem
solving, resources, etc.
You are a part of
the National PTA.
When you are a PTA,
you will have meetings with other PTAs in your area. You will have a
chance to talk to other people about similar concerns. There will
also be State Meetings, including our annual convention.
2. Free training!*
Illinois PTA
offers many courses and workshops to help you operate your PTA.
These include an Information Course, Advanced Course, President’s
Course, ABCs of PTA Finance, and PTA and the Law. If we offer a
meal, we do usually have a fee to cover the cost of the meal. At our
annual convention, there are many workshops on current children’s
issues.
3. You have a loud voice!
An individual PTA member may take his
concern to the local PTA; the local PTA can take it to the state;
and then the state to the National PTA. NETWORKING IN
ACTION!
PTA has
representation on various state advisory boards and councils, such
as the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Curriculum
Council, and the Illinois Department of Public Health. The Illinois
PTA also partners with other organizations that work for children
such as: Council Against Handgun Violence, Fatherhood Initiative,
Fire Safety Alliance, Healthy Schools Campaign, Principals
Association, State Board of Education, Voices for Illinois Children,
Family Partner Network, and the Illinois Arts Advisory.
The more people you
have, the more likely that your local School Board or legislator
will hear you. Legislative committees at state and national levels
are working to promote laws that benefit children.
4. Get the latest news on legislation and
children issues!
The following publications are free to
PTAs: National PTA Handbook; Our Children; and the Illinois PTA
Bulletin. Free
state and national mailings dealing with
PTA, education, legislation, and updates are sent. “How Tos”
on leadership, conducting meetings, record keeping, presenting
programs, etc. (Some publications are available in Spanish at no or
low cost.) Videos dealing with school and children’s issues
are available on loan from the state PTA office. You can receive
automatic emails and information on our web sites (www.illinoispta.org and www.pta.org).
5. PTA is a democratic
organization.
Local unit PTAs are governed by the
membership, which follows PTA bylaws, thereby recognizing the
importance of elected officers and public meetings. It is not just a
few people making the decisions. We follow the direction
communicated by our membership.
6. Financial Benefits!
• Units are immediately
covered by Illinois PTA group non-profit, tax deductible, and tax
exemption status, under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Rules and
Regulations, 501(c) (3) determination.
• Illinois PTA Sales Tax
Exemption, granted by the State of Illinois Department of Revenue,
covers units.
• Low cost insurance is
available to PTA units — Group and Special Event Liability, Bonding,
and Theft.
• Illinois PTA
Scholarships are awarded yearly, to two high school students in each
of the 19 PTA districts in Illinois. Over $1,000,000 has been
awarded to students since the inception of this program. Illinois
PTA also provides limited grants to Illinois colleges and
universities.
*Units may be
asked to cover mileage cost for the presenter, which is dependent on
the amount of miles traveled.
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