- A powerful voice for all children.
- A relevant resource for families
and communities.
- A strong advocate for the education and well-being of
every child.
Making every child's potential a reality.
- To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school,
community and place worship.
- To raise the standards of home life
- To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and
youth.
- To develop between educators and the general public such united
efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages
in physical, mental, social and spiritual education.
The Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers (commonly referred to as
Texas PTA) is a statewide, incorporated, non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable organization.
Affiliated with the National PTA, the Texas PTA was organized in Dallas on Oct. 19, 1909.
The Texas PTA is composed of approximately 770,000 memberships. National PTA membership totals nearly 6.5 million in 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in the Department of Defense schools in the Pacific and Europe.
Texas PTA, the largest child advocacy organization in the state, supports the work of its local units and membership through programs and projects benefiting youth.
Legislative activity is one method of achieving the goals of the organization. Each year the membership approves an agenda that is then promoted by the Legislative Action chairman and other volunteers. The Texas PTA may initiate legislation through a supportive legislator or may actively promote bills that support PTA priorities.
Program materials such as videos, filmstrips, pamphlets, planning guides and references are available to the membership on a variety of subjects. Staff and volunteers also are available to assist with program needs.
Cooperative projects with other educational and youth-centered organizations and state agencies allow the Texas PTA to broaden its scope. Grants from foundations and government entities have provided projects in special interest areas.
Conventions and seminars are held to provide training for members in leadership, self-development, and parenting skills. These events also give information on current educational concerns and health, welfare, and social issues.
The grassroots of the Texas PTA is its membership. There are approximately 2,600 local units within 105 councils who are within 18 districts. All levels of PTA are grouped into eight regions.
Local units plan their own projects and programs. Most units are organized in schools and meet monthly on school property, but this is not a requirement.
Each individual member pays dues in a local PTA unit. Membership dues include the National PTA portion of $1.75, the Texas PTA portion of $2.25, and the local portion (amount determined by the unit). The Texas PTA portion of dues supports the work of the Texas PTA. Individuals or corporations who wish to contribute to the health and welfare of youths, but do not wish to participate in a local unit may join the Star Spangled PTA for a fee of $3.25. The Star Spangled PTA meets annually following the last general session at the Texas PTA Annual Convention.
The Texas PTA is governed by a board of directors, most of whom are elected for a two-year term by the membership. The executive director heads a staff of full-time employees who carry out the work of the organization at the direction of the board. Texas PTA staff may be contacted either by telephone, 512/476-6769 or 1-800-TALK-PTA, Website address:
www.txpta.org or by writing to: Texas PTA, 408 W. 11th St., Austin, Texas 78701-2199.
