The National PTA (National Congress of Parents and teachers) is a volunteer educational organization, founded in WashingtonD.C. in 1897.Branches of the National PTA have been established in all 50 United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and in schools for American dependents in Europe and the Pacific area.
The California State PTA (California Congress of Parents, teachers, and Students, Inc) is a branch of the National PTA serving as a connecting link between the national organization and its membership within the state.
District PTAs are geographical divisions of the California State PTA, established to carry out its programs.PTA districts organized after July 1, 1980, are required to have number designations.The Capistrano Council PTSA is a part of 4th District PTA.
Councils of PTAs or PTSAs are created by the California State PTA for the purpose of conference, leadership training, and coordination of the efforts of the member units.
Unit PTAs are organized and chartered in conformity with rules and regulations as prescribed by the bylaws of the California State PTA.These units are self-governing bodies for the purpose of planning programs and activities to meet local community needs. However, they are required to observe policies of the California State PTA and/or National PTA.
Basic policies govern the activities of all PTAs.These policies ensure a unity of purpose through the members’ commitment to the Purposes of the PTA and help protect the association and its members from exploitation.In addition, National PTA and California State PTA are tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).As such, they maintain strict adherence to its requirements in order to retain that exemption.The PTA is a noncommercial, nonsectarian and nonpartisan organization.These basic policies must be a part of every PTA’s bylaws.
Mission Statement of the California State PTA
The mission of the California State PTA is to represent our members and to empower and support them with skills in advocacy, leadership and communication to positively impact the lives of all children and families.
California State PTA Board of Managers, March 2006
Purposes of the PTA
To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community and place of worship.
The raise the standards of home life.
To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth.
To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education.
CaliforniaState PTA Core Values
The California State PTA is a professional, non-profit volunteer organization committed to the well-being of children.
We believe every adult has the responsibility to ensure that all children develop to their full potential.
We believe parents are our children’s first teachers and that parent involvement is essential throughout the children’s educational experience.
We believe that the family is the basic unit of society responsible for the support and nurturing of all children ands we recognize that “the family” may be defined in many ways.
We believe our responsibility includes advocating for the safety and welfare of all children and the opportunity for a quality public education for each child.
Source: California State PTA website at www.capta.org
