I have to give the PTA credit also for being an effective voice about lobbying at the state level. We had an issue in Texas where the Office of the State Comptroller interpreted all fundraisers like cookie dough, giftwrap, candles were taxable, regardless of the org's tax exemption status. The PTA successfully fought to get a different ruling on that, which is saving every tax exempt group major dollars. We pay about 8.5% in sales tax. There have to be groups with clout who represent a wide variety of constituents to fight for those type of changes.
Thanks for that input. I agree that a good understanding of differences is helpful. Also agree that PTA intentions are good at the state and national level.
You stated that PTA may not be right choice, if you're only concerned about fundraising for your school. Agree with that, but would add one other twist: it also may not be right choice if your group thinks politics (especially state and national politics) aren't a fit for your group. Some groups feel that politics (which inevitably involves conflict and serous differences of opinion) can work against building community and parent involvement, which are priority goals for many groups.
I do agree that PTA is best choice for groups that feel advocacy/politics on the state and national level is an important element of their work.
First, I am a member, volunteer and supporter of our kids PTO's and they do a wonderful job. I am also an original founder and past President of our district-wide, PTA council which focuses on district-wide advocay, policy, etc., we dont' fund raise and do not want to interfere with the fine work the PTO's are already doing in our schools.
It is important to understand the differences. If you are only concerned about raising money that goes 100% back to the school, than supporting the PTA (state and national) might not be the thing for you. However, and it is important to understand the differences, the PTA, once you get beyond the local school level, is largely about advocacy at the district, state and national levels.
The National PTA has a unbelievably experience staff in Washington D.C. and Chicago and a very small portion, I mean very small portion, of your dues do in fact support the expense of running the organization (staff, board meetings, conferences, etc.) It is VERY professionally run association.
I just returned home from the 2009 National PTA Legislative Conference in D.C. and I was skeptical in attending. It blew me away! The level and quality of advocacy work that is going on is tremendous. This might not be your thing but there is a purpose for its work.
This is not a pitch to sell the PTA, rather to point out the major difference which it appears many who are posting here are not taking the time to understand.
I actually broached this subject with our President privately rather than bringing it up in a board meeting. Being my first year in the PTA and the low woman on the totem pole, I was a little nervous about the reaction I would receive from other members.
Turns out the President was wondering about the possibility of a change after finding out TX is raising our dues to $7 per member (including national dues). We have a hard enough time getting people to join at $4!
The subject of changing to a PTO was subsequently brought up in a board meeting and I am not part of a small committee researching the benefits, drawbacks, and complications of disbanding our PTA and starting up a PTO.
I am split at the moment between which would be best. I think think our PTA membership will take a nosedive next year when we are requiring $7 dues and I strongly believe in keeping our money, every cent, within the walls of our school to directly benefit the student body. However, we've been a PTA for the life of the school, our entire district is only PTA, we've already experience some negativity when PTO was brought up, and the threat of audits, seizing assets, and other bullying tactics makes me a little nervous. (Remember I am the newbie and don't want to be blamed for ruining our organization!)
We have a meeting in two days where our little committee will present our findings on how to go about disbanding the PTA, starting a PTO, etc. I expect it will be a tense meeting with lots of heated discussion as we have some who have already let me know they are strongly against it. I'll let you know how it goes!
First - let me make clear I'm simply pro-parent group - whatever "flavor" works for your school is the right choice. That being said, I started out in PTOs, and built at least one from the ground up doing all the right things with establishing 501(c)(3), paying sales tax, figuring out financial practices, etc. We totally invented our structure for ourselves.
Years later when I was part of a PTA and saw the huge amount of resources they make available with state conference, training, procedure books for every officer position, programs already designed, 501(c)(3) already established. Looking back on the amount of effort we put in to "re-invent the wheel", I can't honestly say it was a good choice. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. What worries me even more is that slates of officers who came after weren't necessarily as concerned with all the rules and operating legally and filing state sales tax and the IRS 990 each year. Since there's no upper hierarchy in the PTO structure, there's no accountability for slipping back to a very informal way of doing things.
There's a lot to be said for having all that infrastructure handed to you on a sliver plate AND to know the structure continues after the current crop of officers is gone.
I'm not saying at all to give up the idea of converting to a PTO. It may be exactly the right answer for your group. But be very sure to take a realistic look at what will be offered/ what is missing from both sides. Going PTO means more independence and saving the amount you would have sent off for state/national dues. That may be far more important..
I agree w/"OregonTreasurer", I'm sure you're not the only one having those thoughts. I would do some research on the internet PTO vs PTA(start w/this website!) & present it @ a meeting, & let them know why it may be in your PTA's best interest to switch to PTO. It seems like you've been a longtime committed parent, so your presentation should have merit w/ the members. You just have to remember that in all organizations, not everyone is always gonna agree on issues. If you can get them to start thinking about what you could be purchasing @ your school w/(PTA National Dues)then eventually this will lead to getting the Majority Vote. Good luck!!
