PTAs are nationwide networks of parents, teachers, and others interested in children, working together for children and youth. Any other parent teacher organization is an individual group organized in one school that has nothing to do with the PTA! Only associations belonging to the National PTA may call themselves PTAs. Only National PTA members have access to publications, programs and services to help them be effective advocates for children. National PTA provides accurate, current information about issues affecting children. Only the National PTA has an impact on issues that cross state lines. Local independent parent teacher groups are ineffective where it counts - with school boards, in state legislatures and on Capitol Hill.

BENEFITS OF PTA MEMBERSHIP

PTA is the largest nonprofit volunteer child advocacy organization in the country. All officers and board members, whether national, state, or local unit, are unpaid volunteers. In order to appreciate its value and to make PTA an even more influential force, members need to know how their dues are used, as well as the benefits that come from belonging to Georgia PTA and National PTA.

No matter how much a local unit PTA charges for membership in is PTA, every month each local unit should remit $2.75 per new member ($1.00 State and $1.75 National dues) to the state PTA office. Please note that effective April 1, 2003 there was a $0.50 increase to $1.00 in the Georgia PTA portion of dues. The last increase in the state PTA dues was 18 years ago.

THE MISSION OF PTA

PTA is a strong advocate for public education, a relevant resource for parents and a powerful voice for children.

The children are PTA's focus and we speak for every child.

Our mission is three fold:

To support and speak on behalf of children in the schools, in the community and before governmental bodies and organizations that make decisions affecting children

To assist parents in developing the skill they need to raise and protect their children; and

To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of the nation