The PTA structure is organized from the bottom up, starting with the local PTA at your child’s school and going all the way to National PTA.
THREE LEVELS OF LOCAL ADVOCACY
Three levels of geographical organization are part of California PTA:
- Units: The familiar local PTA at your child’s school is called a “unit.” Organized and chartered according to rules and regulations outlined in California State PTA bylaws, units are self-governing organizations for the purpose of planning programs and activities to meet local community needs. However, they are required to observe policies of California State PTA and National PTA. Find out more about your school’s local PTA unit.
- Councils: Councils are groups of member units that come together for conferences, leadership trainings and other coordinated area efforts.
- Districts: District PTAs are large geographical divisions of California State PTA, established to carry out programs and coordinate the work of the councils and units.
COUNCILS DISTRICT OFFICES DISTRICT MAP
LOCALS ASSISTED BY STATE AND NATIONAL GROUPS
To help units, councils and districts accomplish school and community goals, California State PTA:
- Serves as a liaison with National PTA;
- Represents PTA through participation in statewide meetings and conferences of allied groups, agencies, and coalitions having similar PTA goals;
- Provides leadership training through the Annual Convention meeting, field services and workshops;
- Provides services, materials, and publications;
- Supports and works for legislation on statewide issues affecting education, health, and the well-being of children and youth;
- Serves as a clearinghouse for PTA information and as a coordinating agency for PTA work in the state.
YOUR SCHOOL, YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR PTA
The best way to get involved in PTA is to start where it affects your child and family most: in your own community. Join PTA today, to find out about activities and advocacy happening in your own neighborhood, contact your school’s local unit.
MORE ABOUT COUNCILS
A council is a group of PTA units organized under the authority of California State PTA for the purpose of collaboration, leadership training, and coordination of the efforts of the member units. A council provides the units within a city, county, or area an opportunity for cooperation in promoting their common interests and discussion regarding their common issues. It coordinates the work of the member units with other agencies or organizations in the area working for children and youth and serves as a channel of communication between the state and district PTA and the units.