PTA Basics
What a PTA is and is not: read about it here.
Can People Find Your Unit on Your School’s Website?
It’s important that your unit has a presence on your school’s website! Ask your administration to post a link to your website or Facebook page under the “Parents” tab. Also make sure there’s current officer and contact information so everyone can find you!
Politics & Personnel Issues: Don’t Get Involved
An important reminder: PTA, which are non-profits, aren’t allowed to endorse candidates. Getting involved in school-system personnel issues is not advised.
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exemption-requirements-501c3-organizations
To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.
Section 501(c)(3) organizations are restricted in how much political and legislative (lobbying) activities they may conduct. For a detailed discussion, see Political and Lobbying Activities. For more information about lobbying activities by charities, see the article Lobbying Issues; for more information about political activities of charities, see the FY-2002 CPE topic Election Year Issues.
National PTA’s Dos & Don’ts of Partnering with School Administrators
Basics:
- The President or some Executive Committee members should meet with the Principal in the summer to make a plan/calendar for the school year; be on the same page!
- Always be professional and properly represent PTA.
- PTAs are independent, but are school-based organizations and the Principal is responsible for whatever happens at their school.
Maryland PTA’s Principal’s Guide to PTA
Note that Free State PTA is the new state PTA organization; Maryland PTA no longer exists. Free State PTA will be updating this guide soon. A key to a strong PTA is a strong relationship with the principal. Read the Principal’s Guide to PTA and share it with your principal!
Maryland PTA’s Principal’s Guide to PTA
Training Workshop Resources
Important Websites for Treasurers
Improving Communications & Outreach
Fire Marshal Training
If you’re hosting a large event (over 50 people) at your school, someone from your unit should have received this training.
PTA Marketing Tools: PT(S)A Logos
When used properly, PTA logos and tagline create a consistent message, help unify all PTAs, and set PTA apart from the competition.
Create a customized logo: http://www.pta.org/about/content.cfm?ItemNumber=3097
Advocate the PTA Way
PTA is the oldest and largest volunteer child advocacy association in the US. Founded in 1897, PTA has a long, successful history of influencing federal policy to promote the education, health, and well-being of all children—resulting in kindergarten classes, child labor laws, school lunch programs, a juvenile justice system, and strengthened parent-teacher relationships. PTA continues that legacy today by fighting for change under its federal public policy priorities.
Learn more about how to advocate with PTA: https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy
PTA Correspondence
PTA correspondence (email or mail) should not include business/professional information with your signature, which uses the PTA for personal gain, a violation of the non-commercial provision of our tax-exempt status and of our bylaws.
Council Memorials
PTA Council used to provide a memorial donation to the Maryland PTA Scholarship Fund (MDPTA no longer exists) whenever an administrator, teacher, or PTA officer died while serving BCPS. PTA Council also provided a memorial donation whenever a registered BCPS student died. PTAs would contact PTA Council with this information. It will be determined if the new Free State PTA will have a scholarship fund.