Overview

"Parent-Teacher Association" and "PTA" are registered service marks of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (National PTA). Only those groups chartered by the New York State PTA are entitled to use the name "PTA". Any other use constitutes trademark infringement.

A local PTA is a constituent organization organized under the authority of the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc. (the New York State PTA), a branch of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (the National PTA).

Articles of Organization

The articles of organization of a constituent organization include (a) the bylaws of such organization and (b) the certificate of incorporation or articles of incorporation of the organization (in cases which the organization is a corporation) or the articles of association by whatever name (in cases in which the organization exists as an unincorporated association).

Purposes

The Purposes of a Local PTA, in common with those of the National PTA and the New York State PTA, are:

• To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
• To 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.

The Purposes of the National PTA, the New York State PTA, and the local PTA are promoted through an educational program directed toward parents, teachers, and the general public; are developed through conferences, committees, projects, and programs; and are governed and qualified by the basic policies.

The local PTA is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding Section of any Federal tax code (hereinafter "Internal Revenue Code").

Beliefs

• Every child deserves to have his/her basic needs met.
• Every child deserves an education designed to meet the child's needs.
• Public education is the appropriate forum to prepare children for participation in a democratic society.
• Every child deserves our continued commitment to advocacy.
• PTA will take the lead in parent involvement by training parents to be partners in education.
• PTA will take the lead in promoting the value of parent involvement with the community and educational partners.
• We are responsible for identifying, understanding, and meeting the needs of our diverse membership.
• Educators are integral part of our organization.
• Education and leadership training and self-evaluation are essential at all levels.
• Programs and materials should be provided to enhance parenting skills.
• Challenging oneself leads to growth.