How to Join the PTA

The PTA is the United States' largest association of volunteers who work and speak out on behalf of school children and their interests. If you're interested in furthering the goals of the PTA by helping children, teachers and your community, read on to learn how to join the PTA.

• Although PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association, you do not have to be a parent to join. As a member of the PTA, you will attend association meetings, network with school professionals, parents and other members of your community and be involved with various advocacy campaigns. You will not only be donating your time and energy to a worthy and reputable cause, but will also likely find it a personally rewarding experience.

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  (Creative Commons photo by peiqianlong)

• If you have a child or children enrolled in a school in your area, you may already be aware of your local PTA branch. Joining may be as easy as attending the next meeting or calling the PTA president.

• Those that don't have children or whose children are not yet in school can easily find their local PTA by using the look-up feature on the official PTA website (www.pta.org). Using this feature, you will be provided with the name and contact information of your local PTA president. Get in touch with him or her and let them know you are interested in joining.

• If your local school or community does not have an established PTA branch, you can contact your state PTA to find out about other branches close to you.

• To become more involved with the PTA's national advocacy program or to become active in PTA activities beyond your local community, join the national PTA. As a national member, you will receive a subscription to the association's magazine. Joining the national PTA is as easy as filling out an application form, which you can do online, and paying the yearly $25 membership fee.

• The PTA not only has local and national branches, but also chapters dedicated to specific projects and types of students. If there is a particular aspect of child advocacy you are interested in, you may want to offer your services to one of the following subdivisions or establish a dedicated branch in your area:

1. Early Childhood PTAs
2. Elementary/Middle School PTAs
3. Parent-Teacher-Student Associations
4. Special Education PTAs

• If your community or local school does not already have an established PTA, and you feel as though you have sufficient time and energy to dedicate to the PTA, along with the leadership skills needed to be a PTA president, consider starting your own branch. Establishing a new division of the PTA is simple, and the national PTA will provide you with resources and support. For more information on establishing a new PTA group, contact the national PTA through their website or by calling 1-800-307-4PTA.

• As you can see, there are several ways to join the PTA and the only requirement is that you are a concerned community member who cares for and is willing to speak out on behalf of children. Regardless of whether you decide to join your local PTA, the national PTA, or start your own branch, you will likely find the your work with the PTA personally fulfilling and will have the opportunity to meet new people who share your interests.

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