It’s hard to believe we are already well into the school year! By now, the routines have been established and the back-to-school frenzy has settled down. The first few weeks of school are full of Meet and Greets, Lunch and Learns, Family Fun Nights, Book Fairs, Dances and Fall Festivals. We can see how the PTA is supporting our schools. But, did you remember to purchase your PTA membership to support PTA at your school?
I am often asked, “why should I join PTA?” There are many GREAT reasons! First of all, PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association. It is a group of parents, teachers, community members, cafeteria workers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, students and so many more individuals working towards the goal of advocating for our children and improving their lives. PTA today continues the tradition started 100 years ago, wishing for every child to be represented by one voice. We also have many schools with PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association). This is a great way for the entire family to support the PTA! The East Cobb County Council (ECCC) of PTAs is comprised of over 28,000 members from 35 area schools.
By joining your child’s PTA, regardless of their grade or age, you can benefit greatly and provide your child and other children with additional opportunities for growth throughout the school year. Here are a few highlights of PTA Member Benefits:
Get Connected and Discover Great Resources. Most PTAs have websites and/or newsletters that keep you apprised of things going on in school, including ways you can volunteer, and programs being offered to benefit the family unit, not just the children. Some schools have “Lunch and Learn” programs for parents while others do “Parent Education Nights.” Take advantage of these opportunities! Connect with other parents and use the resources offered to learn about today’s youth and the challenges they face.
Speak up and Watch Yourself Grow. PTA is a forum where your ideas are welcomed and encouraged. Positive change in a school can be the result of a simple idea. Also, by sharing ideas and volunteering at your child’s school, you will be able to put your hobbies and skills to use in a positive way for not only your child, but for the benefit of all children in the school and at times even the community.
Witness Improvement. You are a part of the solution by being involved in your child’s school and as such, you will be able to witness improvement first hand. Your child’s PTA offers educational, social and family programs aimed towards bettering the lives of children. By joining PTA and volunteering, you will be able to see just how the programs PTA provides have a positive impact in your child’s school. PTA sponsored programs can allow children to explore other countries, experiment with healthy eating and exercise, explore science in different and unique ways and offer many other opportunities that children may not otherwise have.
Be a Part of a Larger Voice. At its core, PTA is an advocacy organization. We are dedicated to providing a voice for our children so that they might have better opportunities in school.
If the opportunities listed above do not appeal to you, there are other great benefits. PTA is known as a powerful voice in the community and as such, we are able to partner with local businesses willing to offer discounts to our members. Businesses offering benefits to our members this year include Chick-Fil-A, Aspens, Pigtails & Crewcuts, Sparkles, Stars & Strikes, Willy’s, Studio 348, X-Drenaline, Orange Theory, School of Rock, Eye Level Learning Center, Three 13, Experimac, Marco’s Pizza, Comfort Zone, My Class Connection, Peace, Love, and Pizza, School of Rock, X3 Sports, Mathnasium, and Stevi B’s. Several of these businesses provided coupons that are handed out with your PTA membership cards! You can view a complete list of members benefits under the Membership tab at www.ecccpta.org. The community definitely supports East Cobb County Council of PTAs and the members!
So, now that I’ve given you a multitude of reasons why you should join PTA, please consider them the next time you are in your child’s school. Help PTA continue to be a powerful voice for our children. Help us make a positive change in the schools and impact the lives of EVERY child in East Cobb County.
This article was written by Carri Gaudion, Membership Chair of the East Cobb County Council of PTAs, and originally appeared in the September issue of the EAST COBBER magazine, on page 8. Click here to view the digital edition.
