ABOUT PTA PTA is a grassroots organization made up of parents, teachers, and others around the state who have a special interest in children, families, and schools. PTA membership is as diverse as Texas is in cultures, education levels, and parenting skills. By joining PTA, a member automatically becomes part of the largest child-advocacy organization in the state--over 750,000 strong across Texas. PTA'S MISSION The mission of the PTA is three-fold: To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community, and before governmental agencies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children; To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children; and To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of this nation. WHAT DOES PTA DO? PTAs work for children. PTAs meet together, study problems, support teachers, volunteer in schools, attend workshops on parenting and become informed on issues regarding children and youth. As a result, PTA members become better parents, teachers, and citizens. WHAT IS PTA VS. OTHER PARENT GROUPS? A comparison between PTA and other non-PTA parent groups: PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a state and national affiliated organization dedicated to advocacy for all children. It has as resources other PTA units, state and national organizations, a voice in state and national legislation, and a network capability with 6.5 million child advocates. PTA provides many opportunities for leadership training. Officers and chairmen can receive job specific training at local, district and state workshops. A family resource and video library dedicated to parent education topics, children's health and safety, drug tobacco and alcohol awareness, and education issues is available to all PTA units. PTA's work is based on the concept that many groups with similar goals working for children are much more effective and benefit more children than just a single organization working for the children on one campus. Because PTA is recognized as an advocacy organization for children and promotes parent involvement, leaders are asked to serve on many state boards and committees. This representation adheres to the legislative positions and resolution approved by PTA members at national and state conventions. PTA presence at the state level insures that parents are considered more fully when decisions are made. PTA dues are decided by the membership of the local unit with $1.25 of the dues dedicated to Texas PTA and $1.75 to the National PTA. All other monies are used as the local unit desires and decides. Other non-PTA parent goups are usually a campus level group that deals primarily with issues arising from its school. There is no affiliation with other parent groups, and there are no state or national resources. Decisions and actions made by a non-PTA parent group generally affect only the children of its affiliated school. Non-PTA parent group dues are determined by the local unit. Since these groups are independent of any state or national organization, all monies are kept in that unit.