By Membership Services Commission
PTA has been a fierce advocate for children and families in our schools, across the nation, and throughout California. PTA was founded on February 17, 1897, and California State PTA was chartered in 1902 and has proudly served the children and families of California throughout its history.
TIPS FOR PLANNING A FOUNDERS’ DAY EVENT
No matter how big or small an event you hold, it is important that we celebrate what PTA has done for children and families for more than a century. On February 17, you can set up a membership table and let your community know what PTA has done and ask them to join. With a little planning, you can make time for a special event, dinner, or day of service to celebrate our 125 years of Family Engagement.
FOUNDERS’ DAY RESOURCES
Click here to get a head start by exploring the Founders’ Day Resources we already have available. The next issue will be all about how to make your program great!
WHY PTA? We’re so glad you asked. Share this flier with your parents and community in six languages!
WE STAND FOR ALL CHILDREN! PTA is part of the fabric of the United States’ public-education system and a trusted partner to millions of parents, families, educators, and community members, as it advocates for the education, welfare, health, and safety of all children. PTA has been instrumental in establishing programs and services to improve children’s lives.
HISTORY OF FOUNDERS’ DAY
Founders Day is a perfect time to renew the dedication to the Purposes of the PTA that were defined by PTA’s founders more than a century ago. Each year in February, PTA honors the three founders as well as past and present PTA leaders. Through special programs and events, PTA also attempts to increase awareness among its members and the community by highlighting achievements, activities, projects, and goals.
The Founders Day observance has continued through the change of organization names, first in 1925 to the National Congress of Parents and Teachers, and then the uniting in 1970 with the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers, founded in 1926 by Selena Sloan Butler, to become the National PTA (A Legacy Of Change For California Children).
Issues concerning immigrants, homeless children and families, the unemployed and the uneducated, and numerous health and safety concerns still need attention. However, through PTA advocacy to enact and enforce laws, children’s health is better protected and children are better fed, housed, and educated, with parents more involved in their upbringing. The vision of PTA’s founders has been realized in many ways, and now it is up to present PTA members to continue the vision.
HONOR PTA LEADERS AT FOUNDERS’ DAY
Founders’ Day celebrates the vision and commitment of our founders and original leaders of the National PTA – Alice McLellan Birney, Phoebe Apperson Hearst, and Selena Sloan Butler. It’s a great time to announce service awards. Honor excellence and show your appreciation for dedicated volunteers, professionals, and groups with our PTA service-awards recognition program. Check out our new Outstanding Legislator/Advocate Award.