Hi Tenna Shoe (cute sign-in!) PTA membership is open to everyone and you do not have to be a parent to be a member at the local, state or even national level. Here in Nevada, we have a state unit comprised of community leaders including politicians from both parties. Of course, I am certain that many of your local PTAs would be happy to have you also. In fact, Tim Sullivan, the leader of this board is a member of three (at least that is what I am told but definitely at least one)PTAs himself!
If you e-mail me, I will put you in touch with a PTA leader in your area, if you are interested.

our school district is filled with alot of opportunities to be involved as a community member such as school policy committees, code of conduct committees, site base teams, etc. also like some others have stated that even volunteering at a school can open up doors...don't under estimate the power of a volunteer!!

1) Most school systems have advisory councils or committee comprised of cross section of the community - parents, teachers, business owners, community members.

For example, our DACC (District Advisory Community Committee - ?might have one of those words wrong.)meets 4 times a year. It has subcommittees that do strategic planning, create next year's calendar, technology, provide feedback on programs such as math, reading, etc.

Members can pretty much just observe and sit on a committee that more or less rubber stamps an item (where others have done a lot of work) or one where they really have to put in time and effort.

You might want to call the school district or other governing body and ask about these opportunities.

2) I'm not sure what you mean by "more than a volunteer capacity", but volunteering might still be a way to start.

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• Schools are always looking for help with tutoring.</font>
• Call the individual school, explain what type of volunteer situation you have in mind and how much time you can commit. Ask them for suggestions.</font>
• Some parent groups may have a rule that only adults with a child in the school may join as a member or hold office. (We do.) But you should still be able to attend the meetings and get involved - including volunteering.</font>

3) I'm not sure if your desire ties in to the degree you are pursuing, but we often see graduate students involved as reseach for one of their programs, to gain experience in the field, etc. So tying it to your degree might be a plan.

[ 06-23-2004, 06:39 PM: Message edited by: JHB ]

In Florida we have School Advisory Councils and are always looking for community members to join. MA probably has something along those lines.

I can not speak for all PTOs, but I know our by-laws allow for anyone living in the school district to me a member. You might want to check on the schools in your area.

Also, most counties and even townships have programs for families, youth, seniors, etc. Check with your township (or city) and see if they have a youth services group/division.

Also, check with the library - they may know of areas that you can get involved in.

I have been leafing through the message board and just reading the different requests and responses. For those that have the time I would appreciate a response to my inquiry. I am currently a Graduate Student in Massachusetts and I am interested in becoming more involved with the private/public/parochial school systems in my area (in more than a volunteer capacity). Since PTO/PTA membership is based upon parenting, and I am childless are there other organizations that you could recommend that I could become involved in? Thanks to those that respond.

"Education is what remains when we have forgotten all that we have been taught."
George Savile, Marquis of Halifax (1633-1695) English statesman and author