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Nominating Committee: The most important committee of your PTA

Posted on July 8, 2025October 27, 2025 by CAPTA IT

January marks the time to think about the election of your PTA’s nominating committees!

Your local bylaws determine when your nominating committee should be elected, typically in January or February. The nominating committee election occurs at an association meeting at least two months before the annual election meeting. This timing is important because it:

gives the committee one month to identify a slate of PTA officers,
provides time for the 30-day member notice of the annual meeting, and
provides time for the 28-day notice of the slate of nominees.

The bylaws also indicate how many members are elected to serve on the committee and how many alternates are required.

Why is the nominating committee the most important committee of the PTA?

They will identify your PTA’s future leaders. Consider the qualifications of the committee members carefully. They must understand and appreciate the school culture and its ethnicities, have knowledge of past PTA accomplishments, and understand who would best advance the work of PTA in your community. Those elected for service must observe strict confidentiality and must be individuals trusted by the community. They must have time to serve, be ready to work as a team, discuss delicate matters, and have an understanding of the roles of the officer positions. In the California State PTA Toolkit Nominations and Elections section, you’ll find additional guidance for the important task of electing the nominating committee:

https://capta.org/pta-leaders/run-your-pta/nominations-and-elections/

http://toolkit.capta.org/running-your-pta/nominations-and-elections/electing-the-nominating-committee/

Two requirements, in particular, ensure an unbiased nomination process. Individuals are ineligible to serve twice (back-to-back) and the president never serves on the committee. The principal, if not elected to serve on the committee, is always a consultant and would be a voting member if serving on the committee. Committee members serve until the annual election meeting.

How does the Nominating Committee do its work?

At its first meeting, the members elect the chair with the parliamentarian’s assistance. If an elected member is unable to attend the first meeting, then an alternate member steps in for the duration of the committee’s work. During discussion, committee members select the most qualified nominees for each position. Ask your PTA’s current officers to provide a short paragraph or outline of their duties or to share their procedure books.

The committee members can interview candidates as a group or assign teams to conduct interviews. Refer to National PTA’s resources for sample questions and a candidate checklist. When there is ample time, committees may develop and distribute an application to inspire individuals’ interest in serving. Committees may also survey the PTA’s members to determine whom they believe are qualified leaders.

The nominee for president is identified first, then the positions of secretary, treasurer. The other officers follow once the three required positions have been slated. The committee is not obligated to nominate individuals for their preferred positions, nor advance an executive vice president or first vice president to the position of president. The best leaders are adaptable and essential skills apply to all roles. The committee looks for individuals committed to the PTA principles, keeping the names of candidates confidential from other potential candidates. Committee members do not bargain with candidates or waive job duties as described. Nominees for appointed officers and chairs are not included in the work of the committee. After the election, the president-elect makes appointments for these positions, which are ratified by the board-elect.

Once a slate has been agreed upon by the committee, the committee chair notifies the president of the slate, who releases the information no later than 28 days prior to the annual meeting. The committee continues its work if any positions do not have a nominee or should one withdraw. At the election meeting the chair presents the slate to the membership.

Plan now to elect your PTA’s most qualified members to this important committee. The future of your PTA depends on the essential work of the nominating committee today.

PTA Historians – Volunteer Hours and So Much More!

Posted on June 12, 2025June 12, 2025 by CAPTA IT

As of this year, submission of volunteer hours to the State PTA in historian reports is no longer required. But the importance of having a historian and tracking hours continues.

Until this year, the California State PTA required all unit, council, and district PTAs to track the annual volunteer hours of their members, complete a historian report detailing their total number of hours, and submit the report to their council or district each year. Each PTA district calculated the total volunteer hours of all councils and units, aggregating the volunteer hours at the district level. Each district would then submit an annual report by June 1 to the State PTA, showing the cumulative volunteer hours.

In recent years, tracking and reporting volunteer hours have been the primary functions of historians in many PTAs. However, historians play a vital role on PTA boards in so many ways beyond tracking volunteer hours. They play a critical role in preserving the history and memories of our PTAs. They photograph events, create scrapbooks, and produce videos. They tell stories to incoming PTA leaders and develop innovative displays to help continue the legacy of what makes their PTA unique.

Tracking hours has many advantages:

Community Support – Every nonprofit organization is required to demonstrate significant community support for what they offer. In PTA’s case, this might be child education, advocacy, and programs for families in public schools. Tracking volunteer hours provides tangible proof of this support, and the data is readily available whenever needed.
Grant Applications – National and State PTAs, as well as many foundations, are most likely to award money to PTAs that can demonstrate a large amount of volunteer involvement. This support indicates to the grantor that the PTA is doing everything possible to ensure the program’s success, even before applying for funding.
Advocacy – Tracking the number of volunteers in your PTA and their hours helps make advocacy efforts more credible and effective. Since volunteers are not paid, they are viewed as sincere and dedicated to their cause, and PTA is more likely to gain the attention of our local and state legislators. There is strength in numbers!
Volunteer Appreciation – When PTAs track the contributions of volunteers and the hours they serve, it is easy to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments, showcasing how these volunteers contribute to the organization’s success. For example, some PTAs calculate the impressive amount of money their school saves by utilizing PTA volunteers rather than hiring additional staff, such as teachers’ aides or lunch cart workers.

Although the California State PTA no longer requires the submission of volunteer hours, please consider retaining the Historian position on your board. You can take advantage of the myriad of other ways your PTA can share its volunteer involvement, preserve its heritage, and keep your memories alive.

For more information about the historian position, visit toolkit.capta.org/job-descriptions/historian.

Plan now for Family Engagement Using School Smarts in the 2025-2026 School Year!

Posted on May 29, 2025June 30, 2025 by CAPTA IT

Family engagement is a continuous work in progress. It requires a concerted, collective effort year after year to keep up with each new incoming class of students and families. We need to meet families where they are and show them what is possible within a school community. This has been our foundation at California State PTA for over a century because the work never ceases and it never stops being important.

To address the ongoing need for family engagement solutions, California State PTA developed our own program called School Smarts to help close the learning gap and to model effective strategies to build community and to empower parents. School Smarts is a seven-week parent academy with a research-based, award-winning curriculum designed to bring together parents from diverse backgrounds (available in multiple languages) to support a common interest: helping their children and schools succeed. Research consistently confirms that family engagement is one of the strongest predictors of children’s development, educational attainment, and success in school and life.

Join us in implementing our association’s meaningful work by advocating for family engagement at your school site, council, or district to build capacity and equitable pathways for all. Be thoughtful and strategic because the program requires an investment. Fortunately, Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), Priority 3, or Title 1 funding can be used. Plan to make School Smarts a priority now as budget discussions are taking place for the upcoming school year.

Help turn more school communities into proud “School Smart” partners. Learn more at www.capta.org/schoolsmarts.

Are you a PTA Leader Interested in Submitting a California State PTA Resolution?

Posted on May 29, 2025May 29, 2025 by CAPTA IT

Written by Rebecca Hernandez, Resolutions Committee Chair 2023-25

Calling all PTA leaders! If you are interested in submitting a resolution this year, this is the time to begin.

Resolutions draw attention to issues of concern and call for action by PTA members, parents, schools, and communities. Resolutions are adopted by the membership at our Annual Meeting (Convention). These become PTA authorities, used to decide future PTA positions on legislation.

Preparing Your Resolution

Resolutions follow prescribed criteria, outlined in the document “California State PTA Resolutions Procedure Book.”

Proposed resolutions must

Be in accordance with PTA purposes and policies,
Be prepared according to criteria specified in the California State PTA Resolutions Procedure Book, and
Follow National PTA guidelines if the resolution includes a “resolved” statement calling for it to be forwarded to National PTA.

Draft resolutions are submitted to the California State PTA Resolutions Committee in writing by a unit, council or district PTA or a state PTA commission or committee.

The deadline for filing a draft resolution is November 1st annually. Once a draft resolution is received by California State PTA, you will be assigned a mentor to help guide you through the process. Please note that mentorship takes place from November through the end of December annually.

When an adopted resolution includes a “resolve” to forward it to National PTA, the Resolutions Committee will have reviewed the submission to assure it meets national criteria. The Resolutions Chair works with the California State PTA President to submit the resolution to National PTA.

How Resolutions Inform PTA Actions

Resolutions are not laws, but many carry legislative intent. The Director of Legislation and the Legislation Team use adopted resolutions for authority and direction when advocating for state laws to benefit children and youth and when considering a California State PTA position on state ballot measures. Because resolutions are well researched and supported by credible documentation, they provide PTA advocates with strong rationale for PTA positions.

California State PTA commissions and committees with responsibility for implementing adopted resolutions do so in a variety of ways. They might:

develop information and recommend materials and activities to inform community members about the resolution issue,
prepare guidelines for local PTA activities and collaborate with allied agencies to address the issue,
suggest strategies for working with school boards and community agencies, and/or
recommend advocacy efforts to support the implementation of the resolution.

Ready to use your voice to make a difference? Share your voice by submitting a resolution on a particular issue that is impacting children, youth, and families. Visit our website at capta.org/resolutions for more information on how to get started.

Unleash Your Creativity and Discover Your Place with PTA Reflections!

Posted on May 29, 2025May 29, 2025 by CAPTA IT

Unleash Your Creativity and Discover Your Place with PTA Reflections!

For over five decades, the PTA Reflections Program has been a cornerstone of arts education, igniting the creative spark of millions of students nationwide. This remarkable program, designed to enhance rather than replace quality arts education, provides a platform for students of all ages and abilities to explore their inner worlds and express themselves through various art forms.

California State PTA is proud to support the Reflections Program, which encourages students to unleash their creative talents, express themselves imaginatively, and experience the joy of making art. By tapping into critical thinking skills and responding to a chosen theme, students create original works in Dance Choreography, Literature, Photography, Film Production, Music Composition, and Visual Arts.

The Reflections Program is thrilled to announce its inspiring new theme for the 2025-2026 school year: “I Belong.” This powerful theme invites students to delve into their sense of self, community, and connection. It encourages them to explore what it means to find their place in the world and to understand how they relate to others. Through their artwork, students can reflect on the people, places, and ideas that shape their identity and foster a feeling of belonging.

Participation in Reflections is an enriching journey with opportunities for recognition at every level. Entries are initially submitted to school-level PTA units, where they are celebrated and judged. Entries chosen to move forward will then advance through local PTA councils and districts for further consideration. The final entries submitted to California State PTA are considered for Outstanding Interpretation, Awards of Excellence (1st Place), or Awards of Merit (2nd Place).

Students who receive the Outstanding Interpretation honor are recognized for their truly exceptional and unique expression of the theme. They were invited to the California State PTA Convention, where their entries were also displayed. Award of Excellence entries, representing first place in each category and division, are also showcased at the state convention and then proceed to the National PTA for judging. Award of Merit entries, the second-place winners, are also displayed at the California State PTA Convention.

The Reflections Program is inclusive. It offers the Accessible Arts division modified rules and guidelines to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, have the opportunity to participate and be recognized for their creative efforts.

We also want to congratulate all of the National PTA Award Recipients that were announced by National PTA on May 1st. National PTA’s May 1, 2025 Press Release.

Student Name	Award Level	Division	Category	Title of Art	PTA/PTSA School
Isabella Juarez-Padilla	Outstanding Interpretation	Accessible Arts (all grades)	Visual Arts	Unapologetically Imperfect	Corona del Mar High School PTA
Rowan Zollars	Outstanding Interpretation	Middle School (grades 6-8)	Dance Choreography	What is it to be Perfect?	Sycamore Canyon School PTSA
Abigail Hong	Award of Excellence	Middle School (grades 6-8)	Visual Arts	The Evolution of Imperfection	Oxford Academy PTSA
Katelyn Gooneratne	Award of Merit	High School (grades 9-12)	Photography	Where Imperfection Finds Grace	Canyon High School PTSA
Avni Anand	Award of Merit	Middle School (grades 6-8)	Literature	Janaki and the Fairy of Imperfection	Bowditch Middle School PTSA
Mariah Moreno	Award of Excellence	High School (grades 9-12)	Film Production	She Would Never Understand	Santiago High School PTSA
Chloe Dimitrakopoulos	Award of Merit	Primary (pre-K through grade 2)	Dance Choreography	Dancing Through the Imperfections	Brookside Elementary School PTA
Megan Park	Award of Excellence	High School (grades 9-12)	Dance Choreography	Hands to Heart	Valencia High School PTSA
Margaret Allgood Wurfel	Award of Excellence	Intermediate (grades 3-5)	Film Production	Kalaver, the Tripod Cat.	Meadows Elementary School PTSA
Nikolaos Ward	Award of Merit	Accessible Arts (all grades)	Film Production	Niko’s Perfectly Imperfect Life	La Veta Elementary School PTA
Mei Watanabe	Award of Excellence	Primary (pre-K through grade 2)	Literature	How Sweetie Was Made Perfect	Fletcher Elementary School PTSA
Ethan Jones	Award of Excellence	Accessible Arts (all grades)	Music Composition	Wonderfully Imperfect (Mega Orchestra)	Travis Ranch PTA
Lily Giaudrone	Award of Merit	Primary (pre-K through grade 2)	Photography	The Beaded Spiderweb	Tulita Elementary School PTA
Liam Park	Award of Merit	Intermediate (grades 3-5)	Visual Arts	Never Perfect	Paradise Canyon Elementary School PTA
Valen Aznavourian	Award of Merit	High School (grades 9-12)	Visual Arts	Mirror of Emotions	Crescenta Valley High School PTSA

The success of Reflections underscores the vital role of PTA in fostering arts education and providing platforms for student expression. By encouraging participation, PTAs across California contribute to a greater community appreciation for the importance of the arts in education.

For those eager to participate in the upcoming Reflections program with the new theme “I Belong,” visit our website, which provides general information about the Reflections program as well as specific guidelines, rules, and resources for the “I Belong” theme, including the new program logo.

Let the Reflections Art Program and the arts be integral in your students’ lives. Encourage them to explore the theme “I Belong,” unleash their creativity, and experience the joy of artistic expression!

Everyone Can Join Your PTA and Impact Youth!

Posted on May 29, 2025June 30, 2025 by CAPTA IT

Today, PTA’s role is more important than ever in connecting parents, teachers, and administrators, and supporting critical school needs. We want every family in our schools to join PTA because we can do more together than apart.

Even though we are nearing the end of this school year, it is never too late to promote PTA and ask everyone you know to join. Get creative! Think outside the box! You never know who will say “yes” because they believe in our mission statement to “positively impact the lives of all children and families.” Yes, this is a “parent/teacher association,” but we challenge your PTA membership to ask the following people in their lives to join PTA:

Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and other family members
Teachers at all grade levels, administrators, superintendents, and librarians
Neighbors, crossing guards, sports coaches, dance instructors, scout troops, business owners, religious organizations, clubs, and others you interact with regularly in the community
Work colleagues and professional association members
Local government officials who support youth

Did you know the number one reason people say they haven’t yet joined PTA?

They were never asked to join!

Ask everyone on the list of people above to reach out to all their friends and colleagues to multiply your efforts to grow your PTA. Offer prize incentives for those who bring in the most new members. The recruiting possibilities are endless, and you will generate more revenue to create or expand programs for your PTA! Send prospective members to jointotem.com and have them look up your PTA Association to join.

The California State PTA Membership Commission would like to say THANK YOU to all our current statewide PTA members. Because of you, your school’s PTA will be able to support essential educational and curriculum needs, advocate on behalf of all children at the local, state, and national level, and build an inclusive school community for all families. And remember, there is no wrong or right way to be involved. Anything you can give, whether time or money, is an investment in your child, your community, and our future.

Visit capta.org/join to find your local PTA and become a member today!

Why Poetry Matters for Our Kids and Families

Posted on May 29, 2025May 29, 2025 by CAPTA IT

By California State PTA Family Engagement Commissioner

Poetry has always been a source of healing. It gives us words when we don’t know what to say, helps us make sense of big emotions, and connects us in ways that go beyond just talking. I once heard that poetry and medicine don’t mix, but I think poetry is one of the best ways to heal—whether it’s our hearts, our minds, or even our relationships.

For kids and teens, poetry is more than just something they read in school. It’s a way to express themselves, use their imaginations, and put their feelings into words. Writing poetry gives them an outlet, a safe space to be creative, work through emotions, and even have fun with language.

And let’s be honest, we all need poetry now more than ever. Not just during tough times but every single day. Here in California, where we’re experiencing so many changes in schools, communities, and even the world around us, poetry can be a way to help us process everything. It teaches us to slow down, reflect, and live more fully in the moment. Poetry also has many benefits: helping with memorization, calming the mind, and giving kids (and adults!) a deeper appreciation for words and emotions.

Now, as a mom of grown children, I can look back and truly see how much reading makes a difference in their lives. The stories, the poems, and even the simple joy of words helped shape their creativity, critical thinking, and emotional awareness. Poetry is one of those small but powerful things that can stick with kids long after childhood.

So, let’s bring more poetry into our kids’ lives. A few lines, a fun rhyme, or even just a moment to appreciate the rhythm of words all make a difference.

PTA: A Valued Partner on the School Campus

Posted on March 28, 2025May 29, 2025 by CAPTA IT

The presence of a PTA on a school campus is a testament to the strong commitment to our children’s well-being and the desire for a thriving school community. PTAs are established through a collaborative understanding with the school, often initiated by the principal, to create a vital partnership between parents and school staff, all working towards the shared goal of benefiting students.

As dedicated volunteers, PTA leaders play a crucial role in fostering a positive atmosphere and making a tangible difference. By actively engaging on campus, PTA leaders have the opportunity to strengthen connections within the school community and contribute to its overall success. Your involvement helps ensure that the PTA is a welcomed, respected, and valued partner in the education of our children.

Here are some ways PTA leaders can continue to be a positive influence on the school campus:

Build Connections: Extend a warm greeting to fellow parents during school events and activities. By reaching out and sitting with those you may not know, you help cultivate a sense of belonging and inclusivity for everyone.
Champion Positivity: Focus on the positive contributions that all parents can make to the school community. Your optimistic outlook can inspire greater involvement and support.
Foster Respectful Relationships: Treat all members of the school community—staff, teachers, and other parents—with the utmost respect. Positive interactions build trust and strengthen the partnership between the PTA and the school.
Empower Others: Believe in the potential of every individual and support them in achieving their goals. Encouraging others to get involved is key to a vibrant and effective PTA.
Communicate Effectively: Maintain open and positive communication within the PTA and with the school. Clear and respectful communication is essential for a successful partnership.

Effective leadership in the PTA is about creating an environment where others feel valued and inspired to contribute. When your actions on campus reflect the PTA’s mission to positively impact the lives of all children and families, and you operate with consideration for the school’s environment, your PTA will continue to be a vital and appreciated asset to the school community.

California State PTA appreciates your dedication to setting a positive example as a parent leader and for your ongoing commitment to the PTA’s goals and mission. By acting as both a leader and a courteous guest, you ensure that your PTA remains a welcomed and respected partner, making a significant difference in the lives of the entire school community.

Graduation Should Include Caps, Gowns, and Ballots

Posted on March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 by CAPTA IT

As high school graduates cross the stage this year, fewer than half are likely registered to vote.

That statistic may come as a surprise to many parents, students, and educators. After all, thanks to the California Motor Voter Law, students can pre-register to vote starting at age 16, and they’re automatically offered the opportunity when applying for a driver’s license at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Yet in 2022, only about 13% of California’s 16- and 17-year-olds were pre-registered, according to The Civics Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization.

Many students miss this voter pre-registration opportunity. For example, those who apply for a learner’s permit before they turn 16 are not offered voter pre-registration. Additionally, about half of California teens who obtain a driver’s license choose to opt out of registering to vote. Compounding the issue is a growing trend: fewer young people are getting driver’s licenses. In 2024, USA Today reported that only about 40% of the country’s 21.4 million 15- to 19-year-olds had a license—and the number is still dropping.

This contributes to a perception gap: Many assume high school graduates are already registered to vote, but national data shows that the youngest voters consistently have the lowest registration rates of any age group.

There are some bright spots. In the El Segundo Unified School District in Los Angeles County, for example, 8 out of 10 high school graduates were registered to vote in 2024. But districts like this are the exception, not the rule. According to The Civics Center, “most schools and school districts do little or nothing to help young people register to vote before graduation. The lack of infrastructure drives down registration rates for young people and their election turnout.”

That’s unfortunate because the potential impact of youth voter registration is enormous. In 2020, 86% of registered voters aged 18 to 24 turned out to vote. The turnout among young citizens lagged behind older voters—not due to apathy, but mainly because so many eligible young people were not registered in the first place.

To change that, The Civics Center offers free, nonpartisan programs to support high school student-led voter registration drives. Their “Democracy in a Box” and free resources for educators can make holding a voter registration drive straightforward and fun for high school students. Their 2025 spring campaign, Cap, Gown and Ballot, even offers $150 gift cards to students who help their school participate.

Local PTAs and PTSAs can be vital partners in these efforts. The California State PTA has long supported youth civic engagement. In our 2020 Position Statement “Voting,” CAPTA affirms the importance of “fostering voting habits early in life and cultivating a habit of lifelong voting.” Research shows these habits begin in adolescence and often last a lifetime. As the “Voting” Position Statement declares, “California State PTA also believes that our constitutional right to vote is the foundation of American democracy and our representative form of government.”

The California State PTA website contains a section devoted to voter registration information and resources for students and adults. The California Secretary of State’s website provides specific information about the DMV pre-registration process.

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating—and a perfect opportunity to help students take their first step into civic participation. Local PTAs and PTSAs can play an influential role in ensuring that our graduates are not only ready for college and careers but also ready to vote. Let’s make sure caps and gowns go hand in hand with ballots.