Organizing a PTA or PTSA in Indiana

Anyone may take the first step toward organizing a PTA. When parents and other citizens take the initiative in organizing a PTA, they should enlist the support of the school principal or superintendent and several teachers, if the PTA will be affiliated with the school.

1. Form an organizing committee. The responsibility of this group is to make plans for the organizational meeting.

The committee:
* Contacts the State office, (317) 357-5881, to arrange for a representative to aid in the organizational steps and provide informational materials.

* Sets the date, time and location for the presentation by a State PTA representative and distributes the notice to all who may be affected.

* Selects its own chairman and secretary, and may appoint temporary committees to facilitate the process (bylaws, nominating, membership, hospitality).

2. Meeting Agenda
*Call to order by Chair of Organizing Committee, or State PTA Representative.

*You or the Indiana PTA representative present PTA background information provided by the Indiana State office and the PTA Purposes and Mission Statement.

*Present a statement of support for organizing a PTA from the Chair and Principal and/or Superintendent.

*Ask for motion to organize a Local PTA/PTSA Unit.

*Discussion and questions.

*Present Indiana PTA Suggested Local Unit Bylaws. Indiana PTA will supply these and help you with this presentation. There are some items that the unit will need to determine. (suggest using an overhead)

*Ask for a motion to accept the bylaws

*Enroll members

*Elect Officers

Following the election, the elected officers assume their duties, conduct any further business and set a date for the first General Membership Meeting.
Please see First Steps After Organization.

3. Adjournment.

First Steps After Organization

Immediately following the association meeting,
send to the State PTA Office:

*Charter Officer/School List
*Membership Fees ($4.75 per person)
*Membership List
*Two copy of adopted Bylaws (with blanks filled in)

The President
*Call a meeting of elected officers for the purpose of creating standing committees and appointing/electing committee chairs. The school principal or Superintendent may be invited.

*Upon receipt of resource materials from Indiana PTA, call a meeting of the executiveboard to examine and distribute materials to appropriate officers and chairs. Each member of the executive board should understand thoroughly the purposes, policies, and program of the PTA as a whole. National PTA Annual Resource and Indiana PTA President's Packet should be studied and referred to frequently.

*Request that the chairs of the standing committees put together a plan of work and present it to the executive board for approval. Do this before the first regular meeting of the association in order for a budget to be adopted and other committee work undertaken.

*Be authorized to sign on the organizations' bank account.

The Vice President
*Assist the president, as requested, to complete the immediate duties of the newly elected officers, prior to the first general membership meeting.

The Secretary
*Accept initial membership fees and complete the listing from until the Membership Chair has been appointed.

*Copies of the membership list should be placed in the secretary's book, treasurer's file, and the membership chair's file. A list of charter members should be made for historical purposes.

*Assist in preparing the required documents to be sent to the state PTA office.Purchase notebook or binder to use for all official records and minutes.

*Prepare minutes of the organizational meeting to be read at the first general meeting of the association.

The Treasurer
*Open an account in the name of the local PTA at a bank approved by the executive board and place all funds on deposit there in the name of the PTA. Two signatures are required for every check, usually the president and treasurer. Other officers may be authorized to sign in their absence.

*Purchase materials needed to keep adequate accounting of funds.

*Issue checks to the Indiana PTA for membership (include listing form).

PTA STRUCTURE

-LOCAL PTA/PTSA UNIT
A PTA/PTSA unit is a local, self-governing membership association. The state PTA maintains non-profit, 501(c)(3), status with the IRS for all units.

Each unit decides which programs to undertake and what positions to support. The real strength of PTA/PTSA lies in the local unit members working independently within the school communities of the state to promote the welfare of children and youth.

Minimal individual membership dues provide services from the state and National PTAs to the local PTA/PTSA unit. Membership cards, at no cost, and other materials, at a very low cost, are provided to the local unit. Each member of a local PTA/PTSA unit is also a member of the state and National PTAs.

-PTA COUNCIL
The role of a PTA council is to support, coordinate, facilitate and serve the needs of a group of local PTA/PTSA units. The council also facilitates sharing program and project information between its members.

-REGION
Indiana is divided into geographical regions. Regions focus on leadership training, education, networking, and service for all local PTA/PTSA units and councils within the region.

-INDIANA PTA
The affairs of the Indiana PTA are led by a Board of Managers, which consists of statewide elected officers and appointed board members. Indiana PTA implements policies and programs determined at the annual state convention by the delegates. The Indiana PTA works with many other organizations throughout the state focusing on issues concerning the education, health, welfare, and safety of children. Provides services to the local units and councils. The Indiana PTA is chartered and affiliated with the National PTA.

-NATIONAL PTA
The National PTA, founded in 1897, is the nation's oldest and largest child advocacy association with its membership of over six million. With its administrative offices in Chicago and Governmental Relations Office in Washington , DC , the National PTA stands ready to assist state and local PTA/PTSA units with information and resources regarding programs and activities. The National PTA also works with many organizations and companies to sponsor or co-sponsor awards, recognition, and scholarship programs, as well as developing projects and programs.

CONVENTION
Members representing local PTA/PTSA units and councils meet at the annual spring convention to determine the focus of the association for the coming year. Statewide officers are elected, resolutions determining positions are acted upon, numerous leadership training classes are offered, and recipients of statewide awards and recognition are honored. The convention highlights the diverse programs, projects, and activities of PTAs throughout the state; and members share ideas and plans that help build PTA units and councils.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING
The Indiana PTA conducts leadership training workshops annually throughout the state. Beyond the basics of officer's training, representatives from local PTA/PTSA units learn skills and techniques, which enable the unit to better identify and meet the needs of its membership through development of programs and projects. Additional leadership training is also offered at the annual convention.

PUBLICATIONS
The Indiana PTA provides publications on leadership, education, and legislation. Local units receive a President's Packet to assist officers in organizational and management procedures. Indiana PTA maintains a website with additional information and immediate updated information for units and members. National PTA distributes Our Children to each local unit president, and the Annual Resources for PTAs.

LEGISLATION
The Indiana PTA has always recognized that an association dedicated to the welfare of children must inevitably be concerned about laws that affect children. PTA/PTSA members speak on behalf of children at local, state, and national governmental levels.

The Indiana PTA Legislative Program are the declarations of the association's stand on legislative issues in areas of Indiana PTA concern. They are developed over the years in accordance with specified procedures outlined in the Indiana PTA Bylaws. Some of these issues are identified as a result of a resolution approved at the annual convention. While the Indiana Legislature is in session the Indiana PTA also holds a Day at the State House to develop and encourage participation in the legislative process. PTA/PTSA members are encouraged to schedule visits with state legislators to support or oppose issues that effect children.

Establishment of the National PTA's Member to Member Network keeps members current about issues and areas of concern on the federal level.

PROJECTS
Committees are established to examine areas of concern that are identified by members, units, councils, regions, and the state Board of Managers. Committee membership is open to all Indiana PTA members. Project and program guides are available from the state PTA office. The National PTA also offers information and guidance for a number of different projects and programs.

Examples of issues and topics: Alcohol & Drug Awareness, Keeping Kids Safe, Building Successful Partnerships, HIV & AIDS Awareness, Critical TV Viewing, Creative & Cultural Arts, School Bus Safety, Early Childhood Education, and Project H.E.L.P.

REFLECTIONS
The Indiana PTA, in conjunction with National PTA, sponsors an annual statewide cultural arts program known as Reflections. Students from schools with a PTA/PTSA unit are invited to participate in four specific areas of art: visual arts, literature, music, and photography. Entries are selected at the local unit, and state levels according to criteria established by National PTA. Statewide Outstanding Interpretation and Award of Merit recipients are honored at state convention and selected entries are forwarded to National PTA. Recognition at the national level include cash awards, books, and college scholarships. Indiana highlights the winners of the State Reflections on the website following convention.

CITIZENSHIP
The Indiana PTA sponsors a Citizenship program for students from the fourth through twelfth grade. Students in schools with a PTA/PTSA unit are invited to participate in the themed essay related to good citizenship. Entries are selected at the local unit and forwarded to state for judging. Outstanding entries are honored at the state convention in the spring. The unit who has the best citizenship program is also recognized at state convention.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
The Indiana PTA has an awards and recognition program whose purpose is to build pride, participation, and an awareness of the Indiana PTA; to give recognition for outstanding effort; and to motivate units and councils to encourage new membership and to provide quality service to their members. Indiana PTA also recognizes units and people for their outstanding efforts on the website: www.indianapta.org.