Message from Michigan PTSA President
Mary DeYoung-Smith

Why are you a PTA member?  People join PTA because they care about the children in their lives; they want to make a difference in their neighborhood schools.  PTAs make connections between school and home, and between the community and school.  Through these connections, you build a stronger community.  That is what PTA is doing:  making connections, building communities.

There are many benefits to having PTA in your school and community.  When you belong to PTA, you belong to a network of over 5 million members, all working to support children.  There are wonderful programs available to your PTA through your membership.  Just some of these are:  the Reflections Program (an arts program); PTA Healthy Lifestyles; Three for Me (a program to increase volunteers); MORE, Men Organized to Raise Engagement. 

Your PTA has leadership training available for members through our field service volunteers, and through our annual Convention and Summer Leadership Academy.  There are volunteers who want to help you have a successful PTA.  There is information for PTA leaders on the National PTA website too ─ please visit www.pta.org.

What is the PTA difference?  What sets PTA apart from other parent groups, besides our successful programs, leadership training and support?  It is our commitment to advocate for every child.  No other parent group does what PTA does.  We speak out to our legislators on issues that affect children and their families.  When you join PTA, you add your voice to the mission we have had for over 100 years.  You can get pertinent information on legislation and public policies from National PTA through PTA Takes Action.  I encourage you to sign up for their newsletter.  Visit www.michiganpta.org to help you stay informed as well. 

Thank you for being a PTA member.  Your voice helps to improve the lives of all children.   The work you do helps to build a community of caring adults to support our children.   You really do make a difference by belonging to the Parent Teacher Association!

Michigan PTA - 3300 Washtenaw Avenue, Suite 220 - Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Email: director@michiganpta.org - Website: www.michiganpta.org - Phone: (734) 975-9500