" It sounds as though if the passion of every PTO school were put back into a unified group, you could accomplish great things and Mass could accomplish what we have and more. "
I appreciate the sentiment here, but the implication is that without a large, active state PTA that the schools are somehow hurt. I'd venture to say that -- despite the very small state PTA here -- Massachusetts has some of the best parental involvement, and I know Mass. has some of the best schools in the country (scores and several other measures).
I'd call it further proof of the acronym not being the key thing. Passionate, involved parents are the key. Sounds like you have it in Nevada. We have it in Mass. And I see it all over the place in PTOs, PTAs, PCCs, PTCs. It's your conclusion that PTOs are somehow hurt by their independence. It's my observation that there are equally excellent groups on both sides of the PTO/PTA coin.
One thing you have to realize is that PTA is run by volunteers. Very few in the organization is a paid employee. With that, you get human error. I am proud of all that has been accomplished and will continue to be here in Nevada. I can't say what is happening in Mass, but if there is little involvement and no support than it is up to the members involved to change that. If those with the passion to exact change leave the organization then who is left behind? PTA was organized 107 years ago for children by people who had a passion for children. The organization behind PTA allows us to make significant differences in all of our kids lives, if the passionate make it happen. It sounds as though if the passion of every PTO school were put back into a unified group, you could accomplish great things and Mass could accomplish what we have and more. It's not about money, there is always a way to work things out. Another great example would be insurance. We, here, acquired a terrific group rate. That's because somebody put their effort into it and made it happen. I really wish you could work with your state's PTA. National's dues is $1.75. Each state designs their own membership dues. Ever thought about becoming the PTA president for Mass?
I've never worked with the Nevada PTA, but it sounds like I should. Seems like you guys have some great stuff going on, especially your Council. Your insurance pricetag is well lower than average, too. Is your $3 dues rate inclusive of county, state and national dues? If so, that's low, too.
If you search around, I think you'll find that there's a great variance in "the PTA experience" around the country. In my home state of Massachusetts, there's virtually no county-level (or micro) organizing and precious little statewide activity for the PTA. Less than 8% of parent groups are PTA. Insurance rates are higher. Benefits are fewer. It's far, far different math than what you're experiencing.
I hope you'll feel free to share your broad expertise with the thousands of dedicated parent group volunteers who visit this forum every day.
Another benefit that we as PTA have accomplished here in Nevada is a Parent Volunteer Coordinator for the school district. It ties in the no child left behind and she assists all parent groups, PTO and PTA from the district. We have started brown bag lunches where all parents are invited to attend and meet with our superintendent of schools. Total open door policy. PTA has done this for all parents not just PTA parents. I just can't and believe me, I am really trying out of fairness, to see the benefit of going it alone.
Well, I also just got off the phone with Virginia state PTA and in that state, each unit gets their own insurance but their is a recommended insurance company. You may want to investigate and find out whether your insurance is through that recommended company.
In Nevada, we have a blanket insurance where each unit is the same regardless of members.
I have an e-mail out to CT to double check the membership dues. Their phone# is not 800.
And just to add, the workshops and trainings we provide are similiar in comparitive relativity to content to a teacher workshop where the school districts pay upwards from $100 per person to attend. At 325 members our dues total to 975, based on the quotes that I recieved for non-PTA rates, we are at a savings of about $100.
Nanette,
I too am an active insurance professional and I can tell you the reason the treasurer's training takes into effect is the same reason Driver's Ed classes lower car insurance. If the treasurer is appropriately managing the finances then it lowers the risks that the officers take when approached with a lawsuit. Safety at say a carnival is also a training.
As for our membership at our school, we have 325 so far. Our state dues are $3.00. Insurance is $155. I inquired of the NPN insurance which did not include the $179 membership fee. The difference is not significant. In addition, does your insurance include general liability, bond (50k), property and officers liability?
I see a lot of PTO officers/directors coming to this website with serious concerns and very little resources to solve them.
Each unit of PTA gets a resource book that includes pre-printed materials they can use for reproduction and assistance with finances. We also provide membership envelopes. I am currently planning leadership training where all units are being taught how to be effective leaders and how to legally and appropriately handle their finances(which isn't charged for). I recieve and handle at least 4 phone calls a day for assistance to the units (out of 33 schools) and they have state and even national as a resource(in fact, I just had a question answered in one phone call to state and it took less than 3 minutes to get it-instant help). As a council, we are also arranging an all school activity that is also free of charge. When you factor in the help and if your insurance numbers are accurate, then don't you feel that it's worth it to pay the little extra? I just don't see any benefit in going it alone. You can add the advocacy, which in our state, all PTA schools have been active and been made aware of vouchers, budget(recently spending a total of 6 days at the capital) utilizing a phone tree to alert the membership of legislation and so much more.
