Programs Chair Information
PROGRAM PLANNING
In PTA, the term “program” means (1) the total planned activity of the association and (2) the presentation or special events scheduled for each meeting.
Program planning should be an adventure in community involvement. A good PTA program will (1) recognize a situation or situations that affect the lives of children and youth in the community, the school, or the home; (2) present reliable information pertinent to that situation; (3) provide for the participation of PTA members as well as of specialists; (4) stimulate community-wide interest; and (5) stimulate action.
A good program committee will assume the responsibility of interpreting the Purposes and the philosophy of the PTA organization to PTA members and to the community. It will tackle the difficult task of seeing that members are informed about programs in education and social welfare. By finding ways to combine community resources, it will help to make the PTA a practical force for providing wider opportunities for children and youth.
Maximum participation followed by appropriate action is the goal of every good program.
OBJECTIVES
To demonstrate the Purposes of the National PTA as a vital force in every school community.
To develop programs that will:
Awaken awareness and concern of all adults for improved community influences for children and youth.
Stimulate a home and school partnership, providing opportunities for pleasant relationships between parents and teachers.
Interpret the needs of children in the areas of public education and social welfare.
Give PTA chairmen opportunity to relate and display activities and accomplishments in their areas of concern.
Give members ample opportunity to know their PTA organization, its objectives, its potential for community improvement, and to understand the relationship of local PTAs to State and National Congresses.
Give opportunities for all members (including students) to participate in sharing ideas, talents and goals in the interests of a more wholesome community.
Your PTA programs and projects should focus on the issues considered critical by your PTA members. Determining what activities to plan for involves determining the most important concerns of the people living in your community related to the education and well-being of children and youth. Concerns may be identified by either questionnaire/survey sent to your membership or you may select a state or national PTA issue that particularly pertains to your school or community.
The concerns will need to be identified along with the conditions that create them. The concerns should be able to have identified goals.
After you have learned what your members would like to be done, select the top ranked concerns for further study. Other agencies working on the same issues may be contacted as resources. Most programs are free, but for some it may be necessary to pay a fee or honorarium. School personnel (nurse, psychologist, reading specialist, and administrator), the police and fire departments, elected and appointed officials, and community groups offer free programs that may include films, slide presentations, videos, power point presentations, etc. Interesting programs can be arranged or presented by committee chairmen such as health, safety, legislation, early childhood, and curriculum.
The chairman should ask administrators, staff, and the PTA board for input on the type of programs they would like presented.
IN THE SPRING….
APPOINT PROGRAM COMMITTEE. As soon after elections of officers as possible, appoint a Program Committee. The committee should be representative of the entire membership. Include the principal or his representative, a teacher, a father, a mother, and a student if your local unit is a PTSA. The chairman should work closely with other committee chairmen to coordinate activities: with Public Relations to get the members there to hear or see the program; with Hospitality to make everyone feel good about being there; with Budget and Finance to discuss financial arrangements; with Membership to identify areas of interest.
ACQUIRE PROGRAM INFORMATION AND MATERIALS. Ask for materials from the previous chairman. Hopefully, this will include a procedure book that should contain a record of past programs, details of the arrangements and evaluations of each program. Publications from Tennessee PTA and National PTA would also be helpful.
IN THE SUMMER….
SELECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. The Program Committee should meet to select goals and objectives based on timely local needs. Discussion within the committee should reveal some needs. You may send out a questionnaire to the membership. Select goals that will appeal to all members. Provide students with opportunities to make suggestions when planning for PTSA programs.
PREPARE A PROPOSED PLAN and submit it to the Executive Committee for approval. Fortify yourself by attending all leadership training workshops. Vary the methods of presenting the programs for each meeting. One outstanding speaker per year should be sufficient. Then choose five different program methods for the other months.
Try a group discussion, a panel, a symposium, a debate, and interview, or a video. The PTA program should provide a learning experience and motivate the members to take action.
Consider the topics for meetings. Many are related to education: standardized testing and minimal competency standards, high school graduation requirement, comprehensive health education, and legislation. School finances should be a concern in every school district. PTA priority projects make interesting program topics and can be developed and presented in a number of ways.
PREPARE FINAL PROGRAM OUTLINE. If the Executive Committee approves your plan thus far, you are ready to prepare the final program outline. Work out the details of each program. Invite program participants. Discuss any financial arrangements. Obtain a resumé in advance. Give directions to the school (or meeting location). Give the presenter the order of the program and the time allotted. Be flexible in program plans to meet changing conditions and needs. Also remember, continuous adjustments may be necessary to meet changing conditions. Many concerns do not lend themselves to a one-shot approach. Feedback from members may indicate the need to gather more information and hold follow-up meetings.
If possible, have a calendar printed and ready to be distributed at the first meeting. Members will have something in hand to remind them of dates and programs for each meeting for the entire year. Hopefully, you will have motivated them to return to the next meeting.
THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR….
EVALUATE THE SUBJECT MATTER and the form of presentation. After evaluation by the Program Committee and president, simple records of all the programs, with results, should be compiled and included in a procedure book to be passed on to the next program committee. (An Evaluation Checklist is included in this handbook.)
FOLLOW THROUGH….
Your most difficult work is behind you now, but do not let down your guard. Prior to each meeting, check to see that everything is moving along smoothly. Remind program participants of their responsibilities at least a week in advance. Confirm the date, time and place.
Check arrangements for chairs, music, audiovisual equipment, child care, etc. Be in touch with the other chairmen who may have a responsibility. (See Meeting Arrangement Checklist in this handbook.)
PUBLICITY
Work closely with the Public Relations Chairman and room representatives. If possible, your newsletter should be received by your membership approximately five to seven days prior to your meeting date. Write an article and encourage attendance. Give interesting facts pertaining to the subject matter.
Other suggestions for publicity are:
place a notice in your newspaper.
place a notice in your community newsletter.
prepare colorful, attractive bulletin boards and posters for display in advantageous locations.
use personal contacts and telephone calls.
cooperate with the school or public library in preparing a display of reference material on the topic.
use the school and other community signs to announce the date and topic.
A GOOD PROGRAM….
is chosen after careful study of the situations and conditions that affect the growth and development of the child in the home, school and community.
presents a topic that interprets the ideals and activities of the PTA.
inspires, informs, and instructs.
tells where, how and what is being done and where help can be secured.
creates thinking, forms public opinion, and promotes actions to improve conditions in home, school and community.
offers help through information contained in the publications of the National and State Congresses of Parents and Teachers.
promotes a thorough understanding of PTA Purposes and policies.
encourages PTA involvement for all members.
PROGRAM PLANNING POINTERS
Your PTA will be more successful when teachers, principals, superintendents and school board members along with your students, parents and community are involved.
Check your bylaws for how many meetings or programs your local unit must have.
PTA activities may be held at any location as long as the location meets the needs and situation and is in harmony with PTA ideals.
An honorarium (fee) may be paid to a guest speaker, as long as both the executive board/ executive committee approve the cost, and there is money in the treasury to do so.
Begin and end programs on time.
Accept constructive criticism and adjust programs accordingly.
PTA is non-sectarian and non-partisan it recognizes the rights of every person to practice his/her own spiritual faith. Inspirational features are an important element in the program.
You may want to purchase an insurance policy for a special event or program. Check your local policy and your school board policy for use of schools for parents meetings, etc. A special rider to the original policy usually is sufficient.
Pass on all information to the program chairman for the next year.
Make each meeting important and worthwhile so that members will want to come back to the next meeting.
Obtain printed materials pertaining to the program topic to display or distribute at the meeting. Display and/or call attention to PTA publications related to the program topic.
Plan evening meetings to provide opportunity for attendance by both parents and teachers. Vary meeting times and publicize them well so parents on different time schedules will be able to attend at least one or two PTA meetings.
MEETING ARRANGEMENTS CHECKLIST
THEME/TOPIC_____________________ DATE____________________
___PHYSICAL SETTING Be sure room is neither too hot nor too cold. Arrange lighting. Arrange room for size of group expected.
___NAME TAGS Provide name tags. Even though it is not necessary, it is a good way for people to get to know each other.
___REGISTRATION If you have room count, arrange for members to register as they come to the meeting.
___SIGNS Use signs if meetings are in various places in the building.
___INSPIRATION FEATURES Meetings may be opened with a prayer or meditation, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
___REFRESHMENTS Provide an opportunity for fellowship.
___AUDIO–VISUAL EQUIPMENT Check out all equipment to be used before the meeting begins. Faulty operation can delay a meeting.
___CHILD CARE/HOMEWORK HELPERS Parents, teachers, and reliable studentgroups, supervised by a responsible adult may provide this service.
___CLEAN-UP
___RETURN AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT
___THANK YOU LETTERS TO ALL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
___PROGRAM EVALUATION
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
Elementary students can make a “bouquet of thanks”. Students cut flowers out of paper and write a word or phrase in the center of each that best describes their teacher. Be sure to talk about words that compliment. Develop a list of words they can use. Find a creative way to display the flowers in the classroom or in an area at school where everyone can see them.
Middle school students can write a “recipe” with the ingredients and directions needed to create their teachers. Be sure to have a few samples written and a list of possible words that can be used as “starters” to get ideas rolling. Students can then share their recipes with their teachers.
High school students, with the cooperation of the principal, can produce a short video broadcast or radio show on the subject of teacher appreciation or the value of teaching.
PTA can plant a tree on the school property in honor of the teachers.
PTA can host a breakfast or lunch for the teachers, teaching assistants and other school support staff. Invite the superintendent school board members, and prominent community leaders to participate with PTA members in demonstrating appreciation for teachers.
AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
Contact local businesses for financial assistance in creating promotional items, such as posters, buttons, yard signs or banners. PTA volunteers can distribute them throughout the community.
Write thank-you notes to public officials at the state and national level who have consistently supported public education.
Invite all the students, members of the school staff, parents and local public officials to attend the official “signing” of an American Education Week proclamation. Host a reception immediately following the ceremony.
PROGRAM FORMATS
DEBATE-Opposing views are argued.
DEMONSTRATION-Children are taught and parents observe method.
DRAMATIZATION-Plays are preformed (requires preparations.) Write your own script.
FORUM-Lecture and discussion combined.
GROUP DISCUSSION-Everyone can take part and help to bring about action.
INTERVIEW - One or more persons question an expert.
LECTURE - The speaker should know his time allotted and have some background on your PTA. Allow time for questions. Do not overuse this method.
PANEL - Four to six persons represent various points of view on a topic. The chairman sums up at the close.
SYMPOSIUM - Several aspects or different sides of a question are discussed. Each person presents a subject from a different point of view. Questions and answers follow.
VIDEOS - May be obtained from PTA or other selected sources. Be careful of their selection, always preview. Introduce to audience giving some idea as to content and purpose. Follow with discussion.
INTRODUCING A SPEAKER
You are selling the speaker. Be brief, but concise. Keep it moving.
Tell the audience briefly what the subject is and WHY the speaker is qualified to talk about it.
Give his title or position, experience, and what he has done that enables him to speak with authority.
Give just the most important, relevant information from the biography.
Lead the applause and remain standing and looking at the speaker until he has taken his place on the platform and is ready to begin. Please don’t tell jokes.
Persons NOT KNOWN to the assembly are INTRODUCED.
Persons KNOWN to the assembly are PRESENTED.
AFTER THE SPEAKER HAS FINISHED:
Appreciation should be extended to the speaker from the program chairman.
Tactfully control the question and answer session.
Send a note of thanks and appreciation.
PROGRAM EVALUATION
THEME/TOPIC________________________ DATE___________________
___ Was the program in harmony with the Purposes and basic policies of the National PTA?
___ Did the program deal with an interest of the members?
___ Were State and/or National PTA materials or resources used in planning or presenting the program?
___ Did the program help parents understand why they should be concerned about this issue? If so, how?
___ Did the program provide useful information?
___ Did the program inspire the group to action?
___ Has the PTA been an influence for good in the home, school and community?
___ Was the program interesting? Would you recommend this program to others?
Additional Comments:_______________________
Thank You!
SUGGESTED FOUNDERS DAY PROGRAM
PARTICIPANTS:
11 Students, “Candlelight Acrostic”
3 Adults portraying Alice Birney, Phoebe Hearst, Selena Butler
1 Adult narrator to read “Candlelight Acrostic” and “I am PTA”
1 Adult to light the candles students will be holding
1 Adult to work back stage
This program takes approximately twenty minutes. It is very impressive, and music and lighting are optional. Minimal rehearsal time.
President introduces the Founders Day Program, explaining briefly what Founders Day is and why we celebrate this occasion in February.
Program begins with the “Candlelight Acrostic”
The students are lined up backstage, each one having a large piece of poster board with one of the acrostic letters on it. String is attached to the poster board so the student can put it over his head and around his neck, so poster hangs in front of student.
As the narrator reads the “Candlelight Acrostic”, each child comes on stage with a white candle.
The adult lights the candles as narration is being read.
After all eleven students are on stage with “FOUNDERS DAY” spelled out and candles burning, the lights are dimmed, and the three founders (dressed authentically) appear on stage, one at a time as the narrator is reading “I AM PTA”.
Each one of the founders enter the stage as the narrator reads her name in the “I AM PTA” narration.
Music can be played in the background to enhance the effectiveness of the program.
After completing “I AM PTA”, the president explains the Founders Day Gift and four of the students move through the audience to receive the gift.
CANDLELIGHT ACROSTIC
F I light this candle for our FOUNDERS, and for the faith they have passed on to us.
O This candle I light for our PURPOSES which are our objectives. May we ever uphold them as our beacon.
U This candle is for UNITY of purpose and action at home, at church, at school, and in the community.
N This candle I light for our NATION and its leaders, whose birthdays we also celebrate, in the hope that our efforts may be equal to their greatness.
D I light this candle for DEVOTION to children; our responsibility today, our hope for tomorrow.
E This candle is for EDUCATION and for our teachers, our principal, our superintendent and for the ideas they represent.
R This candle is for RESOLUTION, that we may increase our efforts to make the world a better place.
S I light this candle for SERVICE to all children and youth, that none may go needy, neglected, or unloved.
D This candle is for the DEDICATION of the (insert name of your PTA) to uphold the Purposes set forth by our Founders.
A This candle is for ACHIEVEMENT of purpose in our action, both great and small.
Y This candle I light for YOUTH, youth the world over; may they carry the torch in the future as we do tonight.
“I AM PTA”
I am PTA! I have served children faithfully for over 100 years! I was born on February 17, 1897. For eleven years, my name was “The National Congress of Mothers.” Realizing this left out fathers, my name was changed to “National Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations”; later, my name was changed to “The National Congress of Parents and Teachers.” I was really glad when they finally got my name as they wanted, because I was getting a little confused with so many name changes!
In 1970, I united with The National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers. This pleased me very much, because it made me much stronger, and a vital volunteer organization in our country, and around the world.
The first Congress met February 17-19, 1897, in Washington D.C. at the Arlington Hotel. Would you believe the room cost $4.00 a night, and some delegates even had enough money to stay three nights!
At this first convention, we had 2,000 women and a handful of men. Some were in attendance from as far away as San Francisco. One woman brought her seven children.
Nothing comes into existence without a founder. Thank goodness for Alice McLellan Birney, Phoebe Apperson Hearst, and Selena Sloan Butler. These brave ladies were my founders!
Alice Birney was a mother and a New York advertising woman. She served as National President until 1902.
Phoebe Hearst was a philanthropist (whew- - that is a big word for me to say)! She married George Hearst, who became a millionaire. Mrs. Hearst didn’t have to work the long hours to see that I grew. With all of that money, she could have stayed at home with servants, traveled, or just about anything else she wanted to. But, she chose to make me grow into the nation’s number one volunteer organization.
Selena Butler, a teacher and writer, was the editor of “The Woman’s Advocate”, a monthly paper for black women.
I have been supported by many outstanding people, including Mrs. Adlai Stevenson, wife of the U.S. Vice-President, Theodore Roosevelt, who served as chairman of the Advisory Council of The National Congress from 1900 until his death in 1919, and Mrs. Grover Cleveland, who received delegates at the White House.
The major purpose of my founders was to be better parents and to protect and improve the lives of children.
The early concerns of my founders included many topics that are still major concerns today.
They included health, juvenile protection, urban problems, effects of alcohol and drugs on children and youth, legislation, kindergarten education, illiteracy, effects of media, sex education, and peace throughout the world.
My accomplishments are so numerous I couldn’t possibly name them all. Some of the major accomplishments include:
compulsory public education, including kindergarten in some states; health and nutrition programs that have benefited millions of children;
education for handicapped, gifted, and all children with special needs;
school hot lunch program;
trial tests of the polio vaccine;
television violence project to accumulate data on effects of television on children.
It is hard for me to realize that today we have grown over 6 million members. In the words of a TV commercial, “We’ve come a long way, Baby!”
My concern as I grow older is the ever-present groups that would like to destroy me, our great nation and our system of public education. I will fight this thrust till my least breath, for I, more than anyone else, know that PTA stands for parents and teachers working for the children and youth, to make the ever changing world a better place.
My founders dreamed the impossible dream and made it possible. My founders fought the unbeatable foe and won. They ran when their arms were too weary, reaching for the unreachable stars. Their quest was to follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far! They fought for the right without question or pause. Yes, they were willing to march for a heavenly cause.
And the world is much better for this; they my founders did strive with the last ounce of courage to reach the unreachable star.
I AM PTA!!
Written by Billy F. Davis, February 16, 1982
FOUNDERS DAY INSPIRATIONS
I DARED TO DREAM
I dared to dream that I could make a difference. I saw around me children who started to work at the age of eight or nine. Children, who were too tired to learn, children unable to attend school. I talked to friends in my circle, they were concerned about what we could do. I decided, with a friend of mine, to organize a meeting in Washington, D.C. We invited noted educational leaders of the day. I hoped for at least two hundred people to come. On February 17, 1897, you would not have believed. I was so astonished when two thousand people came. They really cared as I did and thought we could make a difference. And make a difference we have! I dared to dream that I could change things for the children…My name…Alice McLellan Birney
I too dared to dream. I was a teacher and I loved the children but in my state of Georgia we faced some of the same problems. Children were working from a very young age. I too thought I could make a difference. In 1926, I founded the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers in Atlanta. We began to work toward changing things for the children of my race. I dared to dream that I too could make a difference for our children…My name…Selena Sloan Butler
Today we still dream that we can make a difference in the problems that our children face. Children need the PTA as much today as they did in 1897 and their needs will be just as great in five…ten…twenty years.
The PTA is proud of its past and the traditions that it has established. It is dealing with conditions of the present with courage and vigor; and it looks to the future with a strong commitment knowing that children will always need friends who will speak out and take action of their behalf.
Yes, we still dream that we can make a difference! Is your dream alive and well? I sincerely hope so - - - for the children still need you!
Taken from the Georgia PTA Handbook
Written by Edna Shoemaker, Former Georgia PTA Board Member
In 1870, the census reported that 750,000 children between the ages of 10 and 15 were working throughout the country. This number increased over the next few years.
Then in the 1890’s, someone started asking questions. Why should countless children of uneducated and poverty-stricken parents be working in dark, damp factories? Why should they be denied the benefits of good food, adequate shelter, wholesome fresh air and education?
This someone was Alice McLellan Birney of Washington, D.C., who didn’t stop with just asking questions and worrying about these little ones. She went to work to change things. She realized that the mothers of the children had to be educated and the nation made to recognize the importance of the child. Why not have a National Congress of Mothers?
By joining forces with Phoebe Apperson Hearst, the first Congress was held at the White House in February, 1897. Our founders hoped for two hundred to attend. Two thousand came, and PTA was on its way.
In 1924, the name was changed from National Congress of Mothers to National Congress of Parents and Teachers as more and more teachers and fathers joined.
Because of the dual system of schools throughout the country, black parents organized the National Congress of Parents and Teachers in 1926 and Selena Butler was founder and first president. The two separate groups became one nationally in 1970.
Looking back to that first meeting in Washington, we discover that we still have many of the same concerns for children. Advocates for children are needed even more today than they were in 1897, and our role will continue to grow.
It is important to remember the work of our first leaders. We should pause and pay tribute to them through our observance of Founders Day each February.
Taken from the Florida PTA Handbook
THE WORLD OF OUR FOUNDERS – 1897
Progress, prosperity and reform! These were the spirit of the times. Business was booming with towns, mines, and factories multiplying. Railroads spanned the continent. The campaign promise of a “full dinner pail” had just elected William McKinley as the 25th president…
Society in New York was attending formal dinner parties and fancy dress balls so famous in the Gay Nineties…Horse drawn cabs took music lovers to the Metropolitan Opera and theater patrons to performances of the great tragedienne, Sarah Bernhardt. There was a new amusement, the motion picture, and some wondered what effect it would have on the stage.
But with prosperity on the one hand, poverty existed on the other. Cheap labor provided by millions of immigrants had resulted in such low wages that countless numbers subsisted on incomes below the level of decent living. Children of poor families worked long hours in factories, victims of financially desperate parents. Although many cities boasted public parks, only four had playgrounds. So the youth of the slums played in the city streets when they had the leisure, and for infringement of a law they were hauled into adult courts, sentenced to a common prison with adult offenders.
As reform measure, reputable writers were urging shorter hours for labor, abolishment of sweat shops, safety regulations in factories, compensation for workmen - - even a tax on incomes.
Educators were pointing out that three-fourths of all pupils left school before the fifth grade. They asked increased appropriations for public schools, recommended more adequate teacher training, advocated practical curriculums and greater considerations for handicapped children such as 16-year-old Helen Keller.
A new science of child study was arousing much interest in educational circles and there was talk of enriching the school program by a “curriculum of studies.” Lantern slides and maps were appearing in some classrooms as visual aids. Kindergartens were being added to many school systems.
Indicative of the emancipation of women was the advance of the woman’s suffrage movement. Four states had already granted women the right to vote. The fashions of the day still decreed skirts that swept the ground, high collars to chin, sleeves reaching the wrist. Long hair was the feminine “crown of glory”. But whether in or out of style, women were thinking more and more in terms of public welfare and, in particular, child welfare. No matter how secure a home might be for good family living, the distaff side was realizing that institutions of society and an environment beyond control might nullify even the best-intentioned efforts of parenthood.
(From Millions of Leaves New York State Congress of Parents & Teachers, Inc. 8/54 – Reprinted in Arkansas PTA Bulletin January/February 1996)
CELEBRATE FOUNDERS DAY IN FEBRUARY
WHAT IS FOUNDERS DAY?
Celebrated since 1910, Founders Day commemorates the first convention of the National Congress of Mothers, held February 17-19, 1897, in Washington, D.C. Each February, PTAs/PTSAs nationwide pay special tribute to Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, co-founders of the National Congress of Mothers, eventually called the National Congress of Parents and Teachers, or PTA. We also remember Selena Sloan Butler, who in 1926 founded the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers, which united with the National PTA in 1970.
Founders Day is a time to reflect on your PTA’s achievements, examine its current concerns and set goals for the future. The ways to observe Founders Day are limited only by your imagination; there is no one “right” way to celebrate.
Keep in mind that one of the objectives of Founders Day meetings and activities is to increase understanding of the Purposes and scope of PTA work – on local, council, state and national levels. So it is easy to see that Founders Day activities can be tied in with membership promotion.
IDEAS FOR FOUNDERS DAY EVENTS
Review your membership list to see which parents and teachers have not yet joined PTA. Personally invite them, through phone calls or individual letters, to attend your Founders Day celebration and become part of PTA’s efforts.
Hold a viewing of “Your National PTA,” a fast-paced video that tells the story of the National PTA and discusses the programs it offers.
Request that your town’s mayor or city/county executive issue a proclamation in honor of PTA’s birthday. Invite the mayor or city/county executive to bring his or her family to your meeting and sign the proclamation during a special ceremony.
Create a photo collage that highlights events in the history of your PTA. Distribute a list of your PTA’s achievements, as well as those of the National PTA. Visit the National PTA’s web site for PTA archives: www.pta.org. In 1997, the National PTA published a book highlighting the last 100 years of PTA, The PTA Story, A Century Of Commitment To Children, that is an excellent resource.
Start a “PTA Hall of Fame” for persons who have made significant contributions to your PTA. Make a decorative bulletin board that features photos of inductees and descriptions of their achievements. This can be the beginning of a tradition that your PTA adds to each year.
Plan with the hospitality committee for any special decorations, name tags, flowers or refreshments. Some PTAs//PTSAs serve birthday cake, but your arrangements need not be lavish or expensive.
Recognize people who have distinguished themselves in service to children and youth by bestowing a Tennessee Life Achievement or National Life Achievement Award.
Candle ceremonies are impressive and inspirational. One idea is to light a candle for each National PTA founder while reaffirming the Purposes of PTA. You may also want to light candles for your PTA’s founders, past presidents or life members. Ask these noteworthy people to participate in your ceremony, and present them with a gift of appreciation. (National PTA or Tennessee PTA promotional items – including lapel pins, plaques and mugs – are perfect for the occasion. Order National PTA items through the National PTA Catalog or web site: www.pta.org. Tennessee PTA items can be obtained by contacting the State Office: 1-888-782-5712.)
Acknowledge outstanding members of your faculty, administration and school staff who have gone the extra mile for PTA and be sure to highlight the contributions teachers have made to your school and community. Original songs, poems, and drawings are a great way to say “thank you.”
Present a skit about the founding of the National PTA. Write a skit yourself or ask your State PTA whether one is available.
Set up a table to display program planning kits, legislative materials, posters, brochures and the many other useful publications produced by the National PTA.
Provide a membership table so those persons who have not yet joined PTA can enroll.
Recognize the past presidents of your local unit/council. Invite them to join you at your Founders Day meeting.
Arrange to greet guests and introduce them to your members. Alert your guests in advance if they are expected to participate in the program in any way.
Follow up with thank you notes to program participants.
Have students at your school produce a video or slide show highlighting your PTA activities and show the finished product at your meeting.
GET THE WORD OUT!
Publicizing your Founders Day celebration will help ensure its success. Remember, this is an excellent opportunity to attract new members and supporters, and you should use every publicity outlet available. Your publicity efforts should use PTA’s anniversary as a starting point but should go further, emphasizing PTA’s successes and goals.
Have your Public Relations Chairman book a PTA spokesperson on local radio and television public affairs show to discuss current local, state, and National PTA projects, as well as the importance of involvement. Also send public service announcements. The PSAs should emphasize PTA’s achievements and the benefits of membership. PSA scripts are available online at www.pta.org or www.tnpta.org.
Send press releases to the media, alerting them to your meeting’s noteworthy attendees and events.
Also, place an ad in your local newspaper the week or day before your meeting, inviting the whole community to attend.
Submit feature story ideas to your local newspapers. Examples might be a profile of the oldest living past PTA president; a look at how single parents, working parents, fathers, students and older citizens are getting involved in the PTA; or a history of your PTA and its achievements. Be sure to give at least two weeks lead time.
Write letters to the editors of your local newspaper, emphasizing the achievements of PTA and encouraging community members to attend the Founders Day meeting and join your PTA’s efforts. The following sample will help you get started.
This letter to the editor is simply an example, which you should adapt for your own purposes. Type your letter on PTA letterhead and send to local newspapers at least two weeks before your event.
Dear Editor,
Since its founding in February 1897, the nation’s largest child-advocacy association has been fighting for a better life for children and youth. Successfully urging the passage of child-labor laws, helping establish the juvenile justice system, initiating a nationwide school lunch program and sponsoring a national program to combat TV violence are only a few of this association’s achievements. Who is this group? The PTA, or course.
For nearly a century, PTA has led the way in ensuring that children’s education, health and safety needs are addressed by national-level programs and protected by legislation. The PTA cares about the whole child. This means that PTA is concerned not only with improving education but also with raising kids’ self-esteem, helping parents find good child care, preventing alcohol and other drug use, and eliminating prejudice and discrimination, to name just a few issues.
With over 6.5 million volunteer members, the National PTA has a strong and persuasive voice that can be heard at city council meetings, in the state legislatures and on Capitol Hill. Our membership includes mothers, fathers, grandparents, young people, non-parents – in short, anyone who cares about children and youth.
On (date) the (name) PTA will be honoring our founders and celebrating our achievements. We will also be looking ahead, defining our concerns and establishing goals. We invite the entire community to take a stand for children by attending our meeting, (give details of time, location, etc.).
Children need each and every one of us to see that they have a better life. Won’t you join PTA’s effort?
WHAT IS THE FREE-WILL OFFERING?
A special tradition of PTA Founders Day is the Founders Day gift, a free-will cash offering collected at the Founders Day meeting or an item that’s budgeted in advance by your PTA. Your PTA treasurer forwards your gift to the Tennessee PTA, which keeps half and sends the other half to the National PTA. Create a new and meaningful way to collect the Founders Day gift. Some PTAs have used wishing wells and miniature schoolhouses. Make sure the purpose of the gift is clear.
Both your State and National PTA use the Founders Day gift to provide services that honor the spirit of the founders’ original ideas. Your local unit’s gift, multiplied by similar gifts across your state and the nation, helps your State and National PTAs provide program-planning materials, workshops and leadership training, among other benefits. This is usually the only time during the year that a monetary donation is collected.