How to Start a PTA Group

Unlike other parent organizations, the PTA, or Parent-Teacher Association, is a unified group tied to a national organization. "Every Child. One Voice" is the organization's motto and indicates an effort to speak on behalf of all children. To start a PTA group at your child's school, you must follow the process required by the national PTA.

Instructions

    • 1

      Read everything you can about PTA and their plans. They have specific projects going on at most times of the year, and you need to understand how they are different from other parent-led advocacy groups. Determine what programs they have that may work for your school district since each local group makes its own decisions.

    • 2

      Gauge the interest at your school. Talk to other parents you know, your child's teacher and anyone else you think may be interested in being part of the organization. You need to know whether you are likely to get support from other parents before you get started.

    • 3

      Contact the leaders of nearby PTA groups. These people will be your best local support. They can guide you through how to get volunteers, how to deal with conflict and how best to allocate your resources. While the national office provides support, these other leaders will know your local area better.

    • 4

      Meet with the principal of your child's school. The administrative personnel can be some of your biggest supporters. PTA groups sometimes clash with the administration, but in a carefully constructed set-up, the two groups can work together to meet common goals for the children involved.

    • 5

      Get all of the official information you need. The PTA's national headquarters requires forms to be completed, fees to be paid and other administrative tasks to be completed. Gather all of this information and prepare it for the first meeting you plan to hold at your child's school.

    • 6

      Hold an introductory meeting. This meeting should be announced well in advance through announcements in the local newspaper and information sent home with children. You will want to hold a basic information meeting, perhaps even inviting one of the other local leaders to come with you to answer more complex questions. Should you have enough interest, leave that meeting with a time line for electing officers and getting started.

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