We Think PTA is SPECIAL!

Here's Why........

No one can dispute that all parent groups in schools and communities are wonderful things.  Nothing is more important to the future than our children and it has been proven time and time again that being involved is critical to student success.  Wisconsin PTA encourages ALL parents be involved in the education of children.

PTA is proud of the work we do and we strive to take it to levels beyond just one building.  Some groups feel its essential to keep their membership dollars within the boundaries of their schools but we are confident that the programs, resources, advocacy and other benefits of affiliation  our units receive far exceed their membership dollars.

So, just what are some of the benefits of affiliation and what can it accomplish?

• PTA values Parent Involvement
  PTAs care 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 has a long standing excellent reputation
  We've been around since 1897.  We are recognized as a powerful force working for children.
  
• PTA works with other child-focused groups
  PTA cooperates with other state and national organizations concerned with family and child-oriented programs. By association, you are also represented on several statewide committees.  We are at your service for unit visits and you have the assistance of experts from all over the state and country is at your disposal for help and support.
  
• Leadership Resources to Local Units
  National PTA provides "Leader Guidebooks" yearly and Wisconsin PTA holds two Leader Training Workshops in various parts of the state along with our Annual PTA Convention.  Additional help for Leaders can be found in our 'members only' section on our website.
  
• FREE Resources/InformationNational
  PTA sends out 'Back to School' kits, regular mailings, Leaders Guides, "Our Children" monthly magazine, Legislative Alerts and Member Benefits from our partners.  Wisconsin PTA sends out several packets a year, state Legislative happenings, the 'Wisconsin Parent Teacher' monthly newsletter and much more.
  
• FREE (and uncomplicated) Tax-exempt Status to Local Units
  Free to all of our units along with tips and help with the reporting guidelines.  Insurance is also available for PTA affiliation at a much lower cost.
  
• Local & National Programs available at NO Charge
  Both at the state and national levels.  Wisconsin PTA has many programs available to all of our units free of charge. National PTA has outstanding programs such as the Reflections Arts program, Three for Me Volunteer program, and Take your Family Back to School Week.
  
• PTA has a Voice in what affects our children
  For all children in all parts of the state and nation.  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.
  
• Unified action
  PTA can provide unified actions on major issues, a unified push to improve legislation, an opportunity to act as a forum for ideas, a chance to meet with others for valuable networking.

Lets point out that a PTA or PTSA unit is a local, self-governing membership association whose main purpose is to serve the needs and desires of its members in promoting the health, welfare, safety and education of children and youth.  However being a PTA unit goes far beyond that.  Your PTA is complimented by State and National affiliation and the ways we can succeed are endless.

There are a lot of special things about being a PTA and these are just a few of them.  Spend some time with us, surf around and see what we are all about.  Our Web Site Overview section will help you with viewing that information.

Learn more about becoming a Community/Non-Traditional PTA!

For more information from National PTA click on the following links:

Benefits of PTA Membership
Why your School Needs PTA
Why Join PTA