| PTA | Other Group |
| PTA IS THE LARGEST CHILD ADVOCACY GROUP |
| Over 5.5 million members. The National PTA is 112 years old and is a volunteer advocacy and parent involvement association designed to serve all its members. |
No track record or mission statement. |
| Virginia PTA has 1095 units and over 335,550 members. |
No state organization or staff. |
| Access to the National PTA office in Chicago, which is staffed by people ready to assist units with concerns about children and school with an 800 number and Members-Only Web access. |
No national office or staff. |
| Access to Virginia PTA office and its staff, board and volunteers available for programs, resources, etc, with e-mail and web page. |
No state office or staff. |
| There is no need to spend hours doing research on local problems needing solutions. The assistance of experts from all over the state and the country is at your disposal. |
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| PTA SPEAKS FOR ALL CHILDREN |
| The sole purpose of the association is the welfare of ALL children at home and in school. Our joint voice makes a difference with local, state and national agencies and legislators. |
The sole purpose of this organization is to raise funds for only one school. |
| National PTA trademark and media campaign to promote unity in the organization. |
No trademark or unity campaign. |
| Access to a Washington, DC, office of Governmental Relations. PTA provides a unified attack on major issues, a unified push to improve legislation. |
No legislative office or contact. |
| Legislative Committees at state and national levels working to promote laws that benefit and protect children. |
No advocacy outside of their school. |
| PTA PROVIDES UNIFIED ACTION |
| PTA representation at national and state conferences and workshops dealing with school/children issues. The local units extend their influence beyond their neighborhood and help secure state and national action for the benefit of all children, not just their own. |
No consistent legislative effort at any level
No recognized representation for parents beyond their school. |
| PTA cooperates with other state and national organizations concerned with family and child oriented programs. |
No ties to other state organizations. |
| PTA PROVIDES INFORMATION |
| Leadership training is provided on every level (national, state and local) to help local PTAs find success. |
No one-on-one leadership training. |
| Established network of volunteers who may progress to state and national leadership roles through nomination or appointment. |
Little or no network of volunteers on any level. |
| PTA resources including publications, Virginia PTA office and National PTA. |
No brochures, videos, CDs or publications. Does have a website funded by fund raising companies. |
| Workshops/speakers available free. |
No statewide workshops or trainings. |
| PTA Conventions to network, train leaders and access valuable informational workshops. |
No statewide conventions. |
| Official National PTA President’s Quick Reference Guide to assist officers. Virginia PTA provides a Local Unit Resource Guide to provide up-to-date resources for units and councils. The Virginia PTA Bulletin is provided to local PTA officers of each unit, at no cost. |
“PTO Today” is a free publication designed and paid for by fund raising companies. |
| Free subscription to “Our Children” magazine to PTA president. |
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| Free state and national mailings dealing with PTA/legislative/school/children issues. |
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| PTA PROVIDES RECOGNITION |
| Life membership available to honor those PTA volunteers who have given outstanding service on behalf of all children. |
No state or national recognition. |
| National PTA awards and grants to local units for various projects dealing with health education, arts in education, etc. often funded by partner organizations. |
No national or state awards or grants. |
| Recognition for best PTA units, volunteers and educators at state level. |
No statewide recognition.
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| Recognition of students’ talents in the cultural arts via the PTA Reflections Program. |
No student recognition. |
| Statewide scholarship program to ensure quality teachers, which last year awarded several scholarships to Virginia students majoring in teaching/education fields. |
No statewide scholarship opportunities. |
| PTA GOVERNED AT LOCAL LEVEL |
| Membership dues set by local PTA with $.75 going to the Virginia PTA and $1.75 going to the National PTA for member support.(Virginia PTA has the lowest membership dues compared to other states.) Free membership cards provided by the Virginia PTA office. |
No policy for dues. Membership cards must be generated locally. |
| Governed by PTA bylaws and standing rules established by PTA members, thereby recognizing the importance of elected officers and open meetings. |
Usually run by the principal and/or a small parent’s group/executive board. |
| PTA PROVIDES TAX AND INSURANCE BENEFITS |
| Low cost general liability to cover events and officers/directors insurance coverage for units in good standing. Additional low cost insurance is available. |
Liability insurance available at a much higher individual rate. |
| Covered by IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt status. Assistance for filling out IRS 990 forms for schools that need to do so. |
Must be obtained individually for a significant fee. |
| PTA HAS NAME RECOGNITION |
| Prominent people who have supported PTA philosophy by appearing on PTA posters, in Ad Council Promoted Television commercials and radio spots speaking on behalf of children. Corporate sponsors who support the PTA mission and objects. |
No prominent endorsement of philosophy or nationwide philosophy. |
| PTA has been around for over 112 years, long enough to be recognized as a powerful force working solely for children. |
No long term organizational ties. |
Virginia PTA
