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.