<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> I really don't want to turn it into a PTA Vs PTO issue, I just want everyone to be informed of all that the PTA offers. If someone doesn't take advantage of the resources, training and doesn't care what happens on the state and national level to their children and their neighbors children, than I guess it's okay to be against the PTA. But make sure they have ALL the facts first. Not just the rumors or what ONE person says. <hr></blockquote>


There is something about the way that is worded that really gets to me, specifically:
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> ...doesn't care what happens on the state and national level to their children and their neighbors children, than I guess it's okay to be against the PTA. <hr></blockquote>

Why is it that PTA almost always makes that claim? That we must not care about our children or our neighbor's children if we chose not to send the money to them? No one is against the PTA as an organization or as a people in whole. We do care about the nation's children, and the children around the globe for that matter. The bottom line for me is weighing the issue of money. $1000 will go a very long way at our school. $1000 will pay part of a salary to some individual I may or may not share views with in the PTA. I care about my children, my neighbor's children and the children in my community. I see that we do all that we can for these kids. We know where they live, where they play and what they need. One group cannot be everything to everyone. It takes ALL OF US WORKING TOGETHER to make a difference, not just those who get a paycheck in the upper echelons of PTA.

I don't mean to be so harsh, but it just irks me when anyone implies that we care less about our kids by virtue of what organization we belong to. That we are all on the side of children should be enough. Shouldn't it?

Tim,
I agree with you. It does usually cost more than $1.75 per member. It does depend on where you live. Some states don't have a council or a district so they only pay the national rate plus the state rate. In my state the rate is $1. So the total cost is only $2.75 per member. The PTA offers quite a bit of information and resources for that amount. The Annual Resources guide, the PTA members only area, Reflections program, Our Children Magazine, State and national leaders and TRAINING!!! are just a few. Of course they also lobby on behalf of the best interest for children in the State and National government.
I am also a girl scout leader and have to say that I compare my membership in both organizations alot. As a Leader I have to pay $7 to volunteer. I also have to pay out $30 for manuals and books to run my troop meetings and badge work. With the PTA, I get all my manuals and books for FREE.

I really don't want to turn it into a PTA Vs PTO issue, I just want everyone to be informed of all that the PTA offers. If someone doesn't take advantage of the resources, training and doesn't care what happens on the state and national level to their children and their neighbors children, than I guess it's okay to be against the PTA. But make sure they have ALL the facts first. Not just the rumors or what ONE person says.

PTA Leader

Hi PTA Leader -

Just have to take issue with your numbers. The "price" of being a PTA is much higher than $1.75.

It's actually $1.75 per member for national dues and often $2-$3 (or more)per member; for state dues, and there's even sometimes council/county dues.

All told, the average PTA unit in the US spends more than $1,000 on dues that go outside of the local group.

(Math data: PTA reports 7 million members in 26,000 units. That's 270 members per unit. Conservative dues estimate of $4 per member = $1080 per unit.)

There are certainly groups for whom that investment makes sense. I think there are certainly other groups for whom it doesn't.

Either way, the investment is a lot more than $1.75.

Tim

[ 09-25-2002: Message edited by: Rockne ]</p>

I was just wondering how many members you have? Maybe I just come from a very small school. The National PTA dues are $1.75. For that $1.75 you get an organization that represents you at the National Level. They played a HUGE role in getting Parent Involvement into the "No Child Left Behind" act that was just approved. With that $1.75 we are encouraging education students in colleges and universities to take a class on parent involvement. Wouldn't it be better to have new teachers trained on how to deal with Parents?
I guess you just have to look at what your group focus' on. Whether it is putting in a new playground or a field trip - or Putting in a playground, field trip AND having a voice for Every Child.

PTA Leader
Every Child. One Voice

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Lmanci:
Well, I guess I blew a big opportunity tonight. To a full house we approved the propossed budget which has $1,500 listed for state PTA dues, but the national PTA dues were not listed as a line item. Must have been buried in the $2,000 misc.
<hr></blockquote>

On the issue of the money, wouldnt you need to vote on what to do with the money. You would have to vote to Dissolve PTA and start PTO. Parents might want their money back; or you can vote to keep it for your PTO start up.

Perhaps Tim can help answer that question(hint hint).

Lisa