by Membership Services Commission 

Did you know anyone can be a member of the PTA? That’s right, from students (even elementary), to grandparents, alumni, school board members, and… Well, you get the picture. 

It is so important that your PTA reflects all of your community and is built of membership that is inclusive and supportive of every student you serve. 

That is just one of the reasons California State PTA President Carol Green’s theme this term is “Your KIND of PTA.” We want you to take the time to remember what PTA means to you. What it means for your children, students, and community and then to share that.

How to make your membership more inclusive:

• Ask your neighbor to join PTA, remind them they don’t have to volunteer, but should know how appreciated their membership and support will be
• Look for student involvement, male involvement, underrepresented families, and LGBTQIA+ involvement, and other ambassadors to spread your PTA mission
• Ask School Board Members, Superintendents, and County Board of Education Members to support their local PTAs
• Reach out to alumni networks and invite them to join and support the school and PTA who helped them be successful
• Invite grandparents, uncles and aunts, and cousins to join PTA

Make everyone feel welcome and included in your KIND of PTA today! Volunteering isn’t for everyone, donating can be for everyone, but membership is a universal and essential gift we must give to all children and families.

by Membership Services Commission

We’ve made the directions simple on your journey to a successful membership drive. Visit each checkpoint along the route to build a strong membership campaign for your PTA this year. 

Read the official rules, find deadlines, download the Membership Drive Map and fill out the application forms on our website.

When you win with membership, we all win as one voice for all children in “Your KIND of PTA“. Let us know how you plan on achieving these goals within your community by tagging us on social media, and keep an eye on the California State PTA social media accounts for posts about you! We’re already looking forward to celebrating everyone’s great work on membership this year. And here are the nine checkpoints your route to successful membership should include.

1) Tell Us Your Theme and Goal

This is the first rest stop on your journey. Find a theme that will captivate your community!

Any PTA unit, council, or district that forwards their Membership theme for the 2021-2022 membership year by September 30, 2021, along with a membership goal that reflects an increase over their final membership total from 2020-2021 will be recognized on California State PTA social media platforms. Need some help? Check out our theme archive for ideas!

2) 100 in 100

This is your first milestone, and we hope you achieve even greater membership success on the road ahead!

All PTA units that forward a minimum of 100 members through channels by October 9, 2021, the 100th day of the 2021-2022 PTA term will receive a certificate and a special recognition ribbon for the 2022 California State PTA Convention.

3) Ready, Set, Remit

Stop, breathe, and submit your membership! We know sometimes the travels can be hard, but make sure you’re marking your place on the map to remind yourself how far you’ve gone.  

All PTA units that forward a minimum of 30 members through channels by October 30, 2021, will receive a certificate celebrating their success.

4) Connecting with Teachers, Administrators, and School Board Members

While you’re on the road you need help and support – get everyone involved for student success.

• PTA Units:  Get 100% of your full-time credentialed teachers and administrators to join your unit as members and submit a completed Connecting with Teachers, Administrators, and School Board Members application form by January 31, 2022.  Your unit will be awarded a certificate, and be entered into a drawing to receive one of five free Convention registrations for the 2022 California State PTA Convention.    
• PTA Councils:  Get 100% of your school board members to join PTA and submit a completed Connecting with School Boards application form by January 31, 2022, and your council will be awarded a certificate.
   
• PTA Districts:  Get your county board of education superintendent and county board of education members to join PTA by January 31, 2022, and your PTA District will be awarded a certificate.

5) Founder’s Day Membership Challenge

Along your journey, it’s important to remember you’re not alone and we’re driving to continue a legacy.

PTA Founders’ Day is February 17.  Any unit that submits 17 new memberships for the month of February will earn a certificate.

6) Best in 5 Award

Make your road trip special and set a new record for your school.  

Any PTA unit, council or district that has a membership total by March 31, 2022, that is higher than any year-end total since the 2016-2017 membership year, will be awarded a certificate of recognition and will be entered into a drawing to receive one of five $200.00 awards. All units, councils, and districts that qualify for the Best in 5 Award will also receive a recognition ribbon at the 2022 California State PTA Convention.

7) Membership Marvel Award

California has a lot of things to marvel at along the road, make your PTA one of them. 

Any unit that increases its membership by 10% over its 2020-2021 membership total will earn the Membership Marvel Award.  Each unit board member will receive a Membership Marvel pin and each unit will receive a certificate of recognition.

8) Club 100 Award 

Road trips are more fun if everyone is invited, get everyone board, and see the results. 

Those units, councils, and districts that have a membership that is 100% or more of their school, council, or district student enrollment will be awarded the Club 100 Award and will receive a banner for their unit, council, or district to commemorate their success.  Club 100 Award winners will also receive a recognition ribbon at the 2022 California State PTA Convention, membership marvel pins for their board members, and be entered into a raffle to win a prize to be determined.

9) Community Connection Award

If we’ve learned anything this past year, it’s that our communities are strong and want to stand together – everyone can be a PTA/PTSA member. 

This award is given to units that have 10% or more of their membership comprised of non-traditional members such as business and community leaders who do not have children at the school.  (Parents, family members of students, teachers, and staff are considered traditional members for purposes of this award). Community Connection Award winners will receive a certificate of recognition.