10 PTA Membership Myths and Truths

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Notes from the Backpack Podcast

Join PTA For Your Child


Can You Tell Myth from Truth about PTA?

Start a conversation and dispel these myths about PTA membership. This was inspired as an additional visual tool to accompany other membership recruitment strategies as outlined in our Membership Campaign.

MYTH


PTA membership is only for moms. 

TRUTH


Show Answer

PTA is for everyone!

Parents, guardians, students, teachers, grandparents, administrators, school board members, aunts, uncles, community members, etc.

Join today!

MYTH


Joining PTA requires you to volunteer.

TRUTH


Show Answer

If you want to volunteer, that’s great!

You don't need to volunteer, your support as a member is enough.

Check out our National Supporting Membership.

MYTH


You must have a child at the school to join that PTA.

TRUTH


Show Answer

PTA Membership is open to anyone

PTA membership is open, without discrimination, to anyone who believes in and supports the mission, purposes and principles of PTA.

View our diversity, equity and inclusion policy and our mission.

MYTH


You can only join PTA in-person at an event or at the school.

TRUTH


Show Answer

We're online!

Many PTAs now offer an online option to make it quick and easy for people to join.

Find your PTA today.

MYTH


I do not need to join PTA this year, my child is remote or hybrid learning.

TRUTH


Show Answer

You still need to join!

You do still need to join because just like schools, PTAs are moving to a virtual space and continuing to connect families, teachers and administrators and supporting critical school needs.

Don't miss these resources on leading a PTA virtually.

MYTH


PTA membership never expires.

TRUTH


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You need to join every year.

Even though membership generally runs annually from July to June, you can join anytime during the year.

Join today!

MYTH


You can only be a member of one PTA.

TRUTH


Show Answer

The more the merrier!

There is no limit to the number of  PTAs or PTSAs you can support.

Learn more about the presence of PTA.

MYTH


I do not need to join PTA now that my child is in high school. 

TRUTH


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Your support is still needed!

Students who attend a high school with a PTA or PTSA are more likely to graduate. And the more members in the PTA/PTSA, the higher the overall graduation rates.

Don't miss our PTSA resources.

 

MYTH


PTA is only a social club.

TRUTH


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Advocacy is key!

PTA is a membership-based advocacy association. Local PTAs build community between schools and families. Join to have your voice heard!

National PTA makes it easy to contact your representatives in congress to take action and advocate for children everywhere.

MYTH


I can only join a PTA at the beginning of the school year.

TRUTH


Show Answer

Come and join us!

You can join a PTA anytime!

Join today!

MYTH


All PTA activities must happen at a school or on campus.

TRUTH


Show Answer

PTAs can host their meetings, events, programs, etc. anywhere!

For example: libraries, community centers, recreation centers, outside, virtually, etc.

National PTA has your back with resources to run your PTA.