Today’s PTA is Molding the Leaders of Tomorrow

Hosts first-ever Emerging Minority Leadership Conference

CHICAGO (October 26, 2006) —The biggest bake sale in history?  Nope.  Today’s PTA parent goes well beyond peddling cookies and brownies to tackling tough issues that face families and schools in an ever changing world.  This weekend, ethnic minority parents from across the country are gathering in Detroit for PTA’s first-ever Emerging Minority Leadership Conference, October 27 – 29.

“Every year we’re breaking the mold and stereotype of PTA parents,” said Warlene Gary, PTA national Chief Executive Officer.  “We want PTAs nationwide to be representative of our country’s population at every level of the organization—local, district and state.  This conference is an important step in the right direction.”

During the three day conference which begins tomorrow, parents will learn effective parent leadership skills in the changing school and community environment.  They’ll also learn techniques on how to bring homes, schools, and communities closer together to make the greatest impact for children.  Almost 200 parents will attend the 2006 Minority Leadership Conference to be held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center.

“This conference is a proactive approach toward strengthening emerging minority leaders by providing tools to assist them in their respective communities,” said Anna Weselak, PTA national president.

FEATURE SPEAKERS/ATTENDEES:

• Warlene Gary, is the PTA national CEO.  Gary leads the organization in strengthening its membership with diverse leadership and securing relevant resources for parents.
• Lenora Billings-Harris, is a diversity consultant and author. Her keynote address, “Leading with Soul and Substance,” will touch upon being an effective leader.

Visit PTA’s website at www.pta.org for more information about how all parents can tap into a network of PTAs and learn how to get involved in their child’s education.