Hi Holli,

I won't discuss what I may consider a con to being a PTO. Partly because it would be my opinion and also because I don't want to start any type of an argument. I will however tell you what I consider to be pros about being a PTA (I am one of those that feel strongly about PTA)
This is the PTO Today website and it does have a slant away from PTA. Some of it (much of it) I don't necessarily agree with.

There aren't many differences on a local level between a PTO or a PTA. Each unit adopts it's own bylaws (but as a PTA, copies are sent and approved by the state PTA and generally there is a template you would follow).
Other rules are established and would have to adhere to because of our 501c3 status, non-partisan, non-sectarian, non-commercial, rules regarding advertising etc. These are the IRS's rules, not the PTAs.
Local PTAs adopt their own policies and procedures and they can't be in opposition to other resolutions adopted by State or National. And all resolutions must follow the mission statement and purposes (some PTAs may interpret these differently, another example of their independence) PTOs would write and develop their own mission statements for filing purposes.

I also think that you need to look at several resources regarding their differences. The answer is different depending on who you ask. For complete information on PTA, you should at least visit the national website at www.pta.org and you can google your state PTA (STATE NAME PTA) and find their website as well.
Before you make any decisions, I would talk to some of the local units to see how they feel about the benefits and also to someone from your own state office. In turn, you can get much information regarding PTO here and Tim will also be happy to give you his take on things. You should also talk to other groups in your own area that are not PTA. My personal experience with PTOs has been that they have been controlled by an administrator or primarily fundraising based. (AGAIN, My own experience, there are plenty of PTOs that are not like that and that is why you should get a broad example from within your own area.

So, again, I am very much for having a PTA, I feel very strongly regarding PTA and feel that it is a wonderful organization. If for some reason, I am ever at a school that does not have one, I have and will seek one out to join because I believe in the work that they do for children and I am thankful for their accomplishments.

[ 12-01-2004, 07:50 AM: Message edited by: Rockne ]

You are starting with some good questions. There's no wrong/right way to go. Research the issues, including how other schools in your area are setup, and make a decision that's best for YOUR group.

The PTA is an established national organization (Parent Teacher Association). Joining the PTA means that you must adhere to their rules and ways of doing things (and that you pay state/national dues to them). In return, you have access to their procedures, documentation, training, programs, 501(c)(3) status, guidelines, and more.

Some people in this Forum feel very strongly (for or against) the PTA in terms of its political activities and use of dues. Concerns include the fact that your group may not support some of these activities, but are party to them by virtue of being a member. Another concern is that dollars that could be used towards your local programs are spend as state/national dues.

Others tout the benefits of the structure, the training, the resources, not having to set up your own 501(c)(3)....

"PTO" is just one common acronym for an unaffiliated parent group. So what you are now is exactly that - whatever you call it. It's up to your organization to establish itself, decide its own rules, set up processes. Ideally, if your group brings in gross revenue of more than $5000 a year, it goes through the proper steps to incorporate (if desireable in your state), be set up as a 501(c)(3), etc. The benefit is that you have total independence; but the downside is you have total responsibility to not only define your programs, but to set up your organization -- which is, in fact, a non-profit business.

Thousands and thousands of such organizations never formalize. Many of these are operating at illegally or at least as risk - not paying taxes or getting proper permits, no insurance, weak cash control processes, no audits, etc. It's not necessarily right, but it's a fact.

Others go through all the steps and are properly established as individual, independent entities.

The National PTO Network (offered by this site) provides resources if you join. Joining doesn't make you a sub-unit of a larger group - it provides documentation, processes, insurance discounts, etc. I think Tim (the owner) has likened it to AAA - a service type subscription, which is a good anlogy.

Good luck!

P.S. I currently belong to two PTOs, but I sit on the fence on this issue. If I were starting a group - I would seriously consider the benefits offered by the PTA. As I said, neither is right or wrong. You just need to weigh the benefits of both directions and make the best choice for your specific situation.

[ 11-30-2004, 10:08 AM: Message edited by: JHB ]

Our group is relativly young, and we are neither a PTO or a PTA. We just call ourselves a Parents Club. We have discussed becoming a PTO/PTA. I would like to get some input from others as to what they think. What are the pros and cons of becoming a PTO or PTA? Any advice you could give me will help. Thanks