Programs + Events

Workshops & Trainings

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Workshops are your opportunity to gain skills in areas of leadership, finance, membership, parliamentary procedures, and more necessary in running your local PTA. A skilled board of managers, professionals, and specialists will also present workshops on education, health, advocacy, and more to enrich your learning experience.

*Tentative and subject to change 

Last updated: 3/5/2026

WORKSHOP (A) SESSIONS: FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026 AT 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM

  • Create, Connect, Captivate: Using AI to Power Up Your PTA: Unlock the creative potential of AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and more to help your PTA create standout branding, connect with families and community partners, and captivate parents through effective communication. This workshop explores how AI can support PTA unit branding, streamline program and event planning, strengthen outreach efforts, assist with grant writing, and elevate your social media presence. Participants will learn practical best practices, acceptable-use guidelines, and important precautions such as data privacy, maintaining authenticity, and ensuring content aligns with PTA values. Walk away with real examples, ready-to-use prompts, and smart strategies to help your PTA work more efficiently, creatively, and confidently in the age of AI. Please note this is not an endorsement of any platforms, but teaching leaders what works best and easiest.
  • From Dream to Reality: Planning Inclusive Events: Unlock the secrets to designing successful, diverse family engagement events. This workshop provides practical strategies for ensuring all your PTA activities are fully accessible and culturally relevant, helping you attract new members, boost volunteerism, and truly reflect the diversity of your school community. Learn best practices, common challenges, inspiring solutions, and successful strategies of events that are both culturally sensitive, fully accessible and welcoming to all families.
  • Community Schools’ Positive Impact on Student Outcomes: Explore how California’s Community Schools Partnership Program is transforming student outcomes and strengthening school communities. In this workshop, attendees will learn how this statewide investment is helping boost test scores, reduce chronic absence, and lower suspension rates. We’ll dive into the educational model behind community schools and highlight why meaningful family and community engagement is central to their success. Participants will see how collaboration with families, local partners, and organizations like PTA is built into the structure of community schools—and how these partnerships create safer, more supportive, and more effective learning environments. Leave with a clear understanding of what makes community schools work and how you can play a role in their continued success.
  • Ready, Set, Lead: A New Board Member Workshop: New to the board? Start strong! This session gives you a clear, friendly roadmap to understanding your role, working as a team, and making meaningful contributions right from the beginning. Perfect for brand new board member who want to feel informed, empowered and ready to shine.
  • Mastering Minutes and More: Essentials for Secretaries: This workshop is designed to help you navigate your responsibilities with confidence. Learn the essentials of crating clear and concise meeting minutes that serve the needs of your team. We’ll share practical tips and best practices to help you succeed.
  • Advocacy: California Hot Topics: What bills have legislators introduced? Where does PTA stand on current state legislation, and why? What will be on the November ballot? Learn the inside story behind current state legislation and ballot initiatives to identify how PTA leaders and communities can take action on the bills and initiatives that are important to them.
  • Building Lifelong Civic Engagement: In this 2026 election year, you have an important role to play in the civic life of your community. PTAs can engage their members, schools and students in electoral processes, including candidate forums, mock elections and high school voter registration, and help develop a deeper understanding of the ways we can all be civically engaged. This workshop will give you the facts, tools, and guidelines your PTA needs to do it well.
  • Together We Grow: Membership Resources for Every Unit: Whether you’re a new or experienced leader, this session gives you the essential knowledge to run a successful membership campaign. Explore California State PTA and National PTA resources, discover the benefits of electronic membership systems, and walk away with actionable ideas to grow your membership.
  • School Smarts – PTA’s Family Engagement Program: For over 15 years, the award-winning School Smarts program has empowered families, built sustainable parent leadership on school campuses and within the PTA, and fortified the crucial connection between home and school to support student success. Join us for an interactive session from the curriculum featuring an art-based instructional activity followed by an informative lesson. School Smarts academy sessions provide the road-map to empower families to effectively navigate the educational system and drive measurable student achievement. Learn how to bring this fee-based program to your school district and about the various revenue sources available.
  • Bridge Builders: Rebuilding Trust Across the System: Trust gets thin—and then everything feels harder. This practical, fast-moving session gives PTA leaders, site administrators, district teams, and board members a shared playbook to calm hot rooms and move forward together. Participants learn a 60-second de-escalation script, norms that actually stick, and a 15-minute “bridge check-in” they can run with any partner group. You’ll leave with a one-page toolkit, ready-to-send messages, and a simple cadence to rebuild trust—fast!

WORKSHOP (B) SESSIONS: FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026 AT 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

  • Find it in the Bylaws: The Basics Every Leader Should Know: This is a beginner class for new leaders who have never looked at their organization’s rules and guidelines. If you’re wondering, “Why do people keep telling me to find it in the bylaws?” or “What exactly are these bylaws, and why does everyone say they’re so important?” this class is for you.
  • Build Your PTA Brand on a Budget: Looking to boost your PTA communications without breaking the bank? Join us for a fun, practical workshop focused on building your PTA brand using affordable (and even free!) digital tools. We’ll share easy tips, highlight resources that save you time and money, and help you keep your messaging authentic and inclusive. Perfect for both new and experienced leaders, you’ll leave feeling empowered and ready to connect your school community—on a budget!
  • What’s on the Test? A Hands-On Parent Workshop: Ever wondered what statewide assessments really measure and why they matter? Join this interactive session to explore California’s summative and interim assessments, including CAASPP and ELPAC. You’ll learn how test items are created, scored, and used to support student learning. Try your hand at writing and scoring simplified test questions, experience a short practice test, and discover resources to help your school community understand and use assessment results effectively. Leave with a practical toolkit and ideas to share with other parents and educators.
  • Family Engagement: Here’s How We Do It!: Curious about what “family engagement” really means for families, students, and PTAs? This workshop will introduce the basics of family engagement, what California Law requires, and the importance family engagement plays in the lives of kids. This workshop will discuss how family engagement fits into our kids’ lives, everything from learning, socialization, and mental health. We will close with programs that have been successful with PTAs.
  • Green Schools: How green school designs and environmental learning impact children’s achievement, health and well-being. Through partnerships, strategies and systems, children will thrive in sustainable, resilient schools and engage in meaningful environmental learning experiences, both in and beyond the classroom.
  • Compliant & Confident: Stay on the right side of PTA rules without the stress! This session breaks down PTA compliance into simple, practical steps any leader can follow. Learn what really matters, what to avoid, and how to confidently guide your unit with transparency and accuracy. Walk out ready to lead – calm, compliant and totally in control.
  • Empowering Leaders: Building Stronger Councils & District: Discover the keys to effective leadership at the council and district level. Participants will learn strategies to support local units. Topics include effective communication, planning impactful events, and navigating bylaws and policies. Perfect for current and aspiring council and district leaders.
  • Advocacy: Federal Hot Topics: This workshop examines how the changing federal landscape impacts California’s children, families, and schools including: education funding in California, immigration enforcement near schools, the U.S. Department of Education, and how federal policies affect everything from special education funding to nutrition programs and school safety. Leave with concrete advocacy actions your PTA can take immediately and ready-to-share resources to educate your community about federal issues affecting California’s children and families.
  • Membership Idea Exchange: Join fellow PTA leaders for a collaborative session focused on sharing ideas and strategies for growing and supporting membership. This interactive workshop offers a space to learn from one another, discuss challenges, and gather practical solutions you can bring back to your board. Come ready to connect, contribute, and leave inspired with actionable takeaways for your unit, council, or district.
  • Empowered Pathways: Clear, Practical Steps for Parents and Families Supporting College & Career Readiness: Parents want more than information—they want clarity and confidence about how to support their child’s future. Designed to give California families practical, actionable guidance they can apply immediately into their households. Led by Dr. Darlene V. Willis, Co-founder and Executive Director of Concerned Parents Alliance/College Bound Academy Programs, this panel begins by affirming parents/caregivers as essential partners in their child’s success. Through conversation and real examples, the panel centers on what families need to know to navigate college and career readiness pathways in California.

WORKSHOP (C) SESSIONS: SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026 AT 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

  • Social Media & Group Text Best Practices for PTAs: Stay ahead of the curve! This workshop is designed to help PTA leaders and volunteers use social media and group text platforms (like Remind, GroupMe, or similar) safely and effectively. We’ll share the latest best practices for building positive engagement on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, plus review important guidelines for using group messaging tools to reach many families at once. You’ll get practical tips for protecting privacy, creating welcoming online spaces, and making the most of your digital presence—all while keeping your PTA community connected and informed.
  • Essential Guide to Education Information: Unlock the mystery behind California’s public schools in this fast-paced, hands-on workshop! Discover the best websites for exploring data on school districts and individual campuses, then watch live demonstrations so you can confidently use these tools on your own. We’ll also demystify common education jargon and break down the basics of how public education is funded in California. No prior knowledge needed! You’ll leave empowered, informed, and equipped with helpful handouts to guide your next steps.
  • The Power of Understanding Your School Board: Discover why school boards are one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—pillars of our democracy. This workshop explores how school boards shape and improve education systems, influencing everything from classroom conditions to long-term district priorities. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the purpose of school boards within California’s local-control system, including their roles as policymakers, direction-setters, and representatives of the community’s voice. We’ll also break down the significant financial impact of their decisions, including how school boards help allocate more than $80 billion annually in California. Attendees will leave with the knowledge needed to engage, participate, and advocate effectively in their local education system.
  • CalHOPE Schools FREE Well-being Resources: Schools provide free resources for school personnel, youth, and families and caregivers to support the well-being of youth and those connected to them. CAlHOPE and CalHOPE Schools’ resources were compiled to offer hope, build resilience, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health and well-being.
  • PTA Treasurer – This one’s for you!: As a treasurer or financial secretary, this class will be going over all aspects of holding this position. We will be covering budgeting, passing money through channels, reports and correct money handling procedures.
  • President: Launch your Leadership (Part 1): We will be working our way through the PTA year and covering everything you need to know to run an effective PTA, including working with your principal, and running meetings.
  • Membership for Council and District Leaders: Your leadership plays a key role in helping units build strong, inclusive membership. In this session, you’ll learn how to interpret membership data, spot trends, set achievable goals, and know when and how to step in with support. Join us to learn practical strategies that make membership growth easier, clearer, and more successful for everyone you serve.
  • Jump Start Your Reflections Program: Dive into the essentials of the National PTA Reflections Program. Learn how to launch and promote a successful arts program at your school, support student creativity, and engage your community. Whether you’re new to Reflections or looking for a refresher, this session will provide practical tips, resources and inspiration to help you get started and make your program shine!
  • Building Stronger Families: What Immigrant Families, and their Supporters, Need to Know: This presentation will provide practical tips for immigrant families at risk of separation due to detention or deportation. With a goal of reducing a family’s risk of child welfare involvement, the presentation focuses on creating care plans based on whether a parent wishes to reunite with their child in their country of origin or have their child remain in the United States with a caregiver. It equips families, and those who care about them, with the knowledge to on how to gather critical documents, name trusted caregivers, and navigate complex custody issues with safety and dignity in mind. The presentation will go over Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavits, Nominations of Guardianship, the requirements for a probate legal guardianship, family law disputes, what parents need to have in place to reunify, and commonly asked questions for both parents and caregivers.
  • PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go!: Parenting in the digital age can be challenging, and families are faced with many important decisions surrounding technology use and digital safety. Determining when their children may be ready for a device and establishing healthy digital habits are chief among them.

WORKSHOP (D) SESSIONS: SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026 AT 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

  • Bringing the Arts to Every Child – Become an Arts Advocate!: This interactive session invites PTA leaders, educators, and parents to experience the power of arts education firsthand. Participants will take part in creative, accessible art-making activities while learning how arts integration supports student success and how PTAs can champion arts programs in their schools and districts.
  • Bylaws – FutureFund Connect: Bring your bylaws and let us walk you through the new platform. Ask questions in person with the founder of FutureFund. Even if you are not ready to review and amend your bylaws, come to this hands on class to see what to do when you are. Please bring a laptop.
  • Strengthening Reading Skills with Targeted Instruction: This session offers a practical look at how a school’s reading intervention system can directly influence student success and long term outcomes. As a school psychologist, I have seen firsthand how strong, consistent intervention practices help students grow, reduce unnecessary special education referrals, and ensure that students get the right support at the right time. I have also seen what happens when systems are inconsistent or unclear. Parents will learn what effective intervention looks like, how to recognize when a system is working well, and what questions to ask when concerns arise.
  • To Be Continued – Treasurer Part 2: For the second half of this specialized workshop we will be going over procedures that will take you through the year. We will be covering working with government agencies, mid-year budget review, budget to actuals reports, preparing for the year end financial review.
  • Presidents – Level Up Your Leadership: Join us for the second half of or specialized presidents training. We will work our way through the PTA year and covering everything you need to know to run an effective PTA. We will discuss mid year program reviews, elections and transitioning.
  • Reflections – Ask Me Anything!: Come with any Reflections questions and we’ll answer them! No question is too small!
  • CAPTA Scholarships & Grants Program; How, What, and Why: An overview of the California State PTA Scholarships & Grants Program. What we are looking for in a successful application. and examples of award winning programs.
  • HS Students Lead the Way: A PTSA Partnership: Are you looking for ways to increase student involvement in your PTA? Look no further! With 20 years successfully running a highly-engaged student advocacy program for high schoolers, our panel will provide an inside look at how one particular PTA program involves student voice.
  • Beyond the School Yard: Connecting with Local Resources to Support Your PTA: Have you ever wondered how to increase community support for your PTA? This workshop will provide valuable insights and strategies for building strong relationships with local businesses and organizations. Learn how to secure local membership incentives, identify potential community partners, and develop effective outreach strategies to maximize your PTA’s impact.
  • School Smarts – PTA’s Family Engagement Program: For over 15 years, the award-winning School SMARTS program has empowered families, built sustainable parent leadership on school campuses and within the PTA, and fortified the crucial connection between home and school to support student success. Join us for an interactive session from the curriculum featuring an art-based instructional activity followed by an informative lesson. School SMARTS academy sessions provide the road-map to empower families to effectively navigate the educational system and drive measurable student achievement. Learn how to bring this fee-based program to your school district and about the various revenue sources available.

WORKSHOP (E) SESSIONS: SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026 AT 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

  • Improv(e) Leadership & Communications!: An Improv –Leadership/ skills workshop. Attendees will have fun while practicing public speaking as they participate in improvisation exercises designed to improve presentation skills and hone flexible leadership skills. This fun, interactive improv-based (Improvisational Theater) workshop will provide a framework for developing leadership and communication skills through quick & easy games.
  • Pathways to Success: Exploring Community Colleges & Careers: Come discover the wide range of postsecondary options available in California. We will be emphasizing balance, well-being, and lifelong learning over a one-size-fits-all definition of success.
  • Responsible AI – Use For Student Success: Step into the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence and discover what AI really looks like in today’s classrooms. This workshop offers a clear, accessible overview of how this rapidly changing technology is being used—and how educators are guiding students to use it responsibly. Learn what responsible AI use should look like at home and at school, what parents can expect from student assignments, and the red flags to watch for. We’ll also showcase real demonstrations of appropriate AI use for classwork, giving you a practical understanding of how AI can support learning while maintaining academic integrity. Leave informed, confident, and ready to help your student navigate AI safely and effectively.
  • Leadership Lab: Ideas in Action: Step into an interactive space where leaders share their strategies and walk away with fresh, actionable ideas. Whether you’re looking for clever solutions, practical tips and real scenarios, this workshop show how to stay calm, productive and solution focused when challenges arise.
  • PTA Fundraising & Program Essentials: This workshop will give guidance on what constitutes a program and what is a fundraiser. It will also cover such things as contract signing, fiduciary agreements, raffles and opportunity drawings. Participants will learn that programs and fundraising can build community, family engagement and student success. Participants will learn how to align fundraising with meaningful programs.
  • New Tools for PTA Advocacy Leaders: From Planning to Impact: Be the first to get the newly updated District & Council Advocacy Guide with practical strategies to help you build powerful local advocacy programs. Join the CA PTA state Legislative Advocacy Team for this interactive 90-minute workshop to unpack the new resource through group discussion and Q&A—leaving with ready-to-use tools for organizing your team, launching effective campaigns, and turning community concerns into meaningful action for children.
  • In the Spotlight: Creating Award Winning PTA Programs: Step into the spotlight and discover what makes a PTA program truly award winning. Learn about programs that have been honored statewide, then collaborate with other leaders to explore ideas, strategies, and must-do steps for success. You’ll leave energized, equipped with a practical guide, and ready to elevate your programs from good to great.
  • How to Write a Resolution: The PTA Path to Impact: Ever wondered why someone writes a PTA resolution—and what happens after it passes? Resolutions are the starting point for PTA advocacy. They identify a problem, propose evidence-based solutions, and direct the work PTA champions at the state and local level. In this session, members of the Resolutions Committee—along with PTA leaders who turned lived experience into statewide action—will explain how resolutions spark advocacy campaigns, influence legislative engagement, and shape the education and outreach we provide to families. Join us to explore the “why,” learn how ideas become influence, and see how your PTA’s voice can make a measurable difference for children and schools.
  • The Membership Growth Playbook…From National PTA Tools to Local Impact: Strong membership builds strong PTAs– and strong PTAs expand their impact. What if your next membership breakthrough didn’t require starting from scratch? In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore free, customizable, and ready-to-use National PTA resources designed to strengthen your local growth strategy. Learn how to align National PTA membership and marketing tools with your PTA’s unique goals — and leave with a clear, actionable plan for the 2026–2027 membership year. Participants will
    • Explore key National PTA membership and marketing resources designed to support local growth.
    • Align National PTA tools with their PTA’s specific membership goals and community priorities.
    • Develop a focused, actionable plan to implement at least one National PTA resource during the 2026–2027 membership year.
  • The More the Merrier: Strategies for Engaging More Parents in the Education Equation: This interactive workshop will provide participants with concrete strategies and ideas for engaging a vast array of families in supporting in advocating for all children.