Effective Immediately:
At the National PTA Convention, June 9-12 in Orlando Florida, voting Delegates approved a membership dues increase from $1.75 to $2.25 for National PTA dues. Maryland PTA dues remain at $1.50
For each membership card sold, the combine dues to be paid to Maryland PTA/National PTA will be $3.75.
Why is a Dues Increase Needed Now?-National PTA Reference Sheet
An explanation of why a dues increase is important for National PTA
http://www.pta.org/Why_is_a_Dues_Increase_Needed_Now_2.pdf
More information from National PTA
http://www.pta.org/4599.htm
"Making a Difference"
An old man walked up a shore littered with thousands of starfish, beached and dying after a storm.....A young man was picking them up and flinging them back into the ocean...."Why do you bother?" the old man scoffed...."You're not saving enough to make a difference".......The young man picked up another starfish and sent it spinning back into the water. "Made a difference to that one," he said.
You make a difference, every day.
“Making a Difference”…… as PTAs move into
the new school year.
As we move into the school year for 2011-12, local PTAs units have planned their goals for the upcoming year, approved their yearly budgets and have begun in earnest to work in their school communities in advocacy for children. PTAs recognize the budget struggles for school systems and are supporting children in their school communities each and every day by offering direct hands on school support. PTAs have planned programs and activities for children in schools across Maryland and are always looking for volunteers to assist in implementing these activities.
Parent involvement in schools means greater success for children in their educational journey. Now more than ever parent involvement is needed for every child in every school. School budgets are being cut and as PTA leaders we must be vigilant that every child has the necessary supports in their classrooms. As PTA, we represent in membership parents, teachers, and students. PTAs must support the involvement of all. Take the time to let your school community know what your PTA is doing. Make public the PTA calendar of activities and makes sure PTAs are welcoming to all members or potential members. Many PTAs are doing wonderful things on a consistent basis and your school community should be aware of what your PTA is doing. Communication is key. Demonstrate your support for the mission of PTA, “To make every child’s potential a reality” by volunteering in your school community.
Maryland PTA is challenging all local units “make a difference” by growing your membership base to support all the wonderful programs your PTAs make available to all children in your school communities. The next time you are at a PTA meeting or another school function take the time to introduce yourself and invite others to join your school PTA. Always have in mind what your PTA does and never hesitate to share it with others. You, as a PTA leader, are the best ambassador for your school PTA.
Take time to use the many resources available on the Maryland PTA website (http://www.mdpta.org/index.html) and the National PTA website (http://www.pta.org/). Each website offers many suggestions, opportunities and helpful tips to PTAs across Maryland. Take the time to review each website on a consistent basis and note the opportunities offered to your PTA members and to your PTA leadership.
Maryland PTA is on Facebook. Join and share what your PTA is doing. If you need help, questions may be asked. https://www.facebook.com/groups/53457603877/
Maryland PTA remains committed to serving PTA units and their members across the state. May we all keep one thought in mind….”What can I do to make a difference?”
“The Mission of PTA.”
The mission of the PTA is threefold:
• To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in our schools, in our community, and before governmental agencies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children;
• To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children; and
• To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of this nation
Sincerely,
Kay Romero, President
| The Bylaws Template can be found in the Members Only Section of this site.
You're Invited!
Join Maryland PTA and Enough is Enough as they present an Internet Safety Program on November 5th!
<Click here for event details>
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The National Center for Safe Routes to School is now accepting applications for 25 mini-grants of $1,000 each
http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/funding-portal/mini-grants/call-for-applications
Apply now for a Spring 2012 mini-grant or download a pdf of the application.
The National Center for Safe Routes to School is now accepting applications for 25 mini-grants of $1,000 each. These mini-grants support the goal of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs, which is to enable and encourage children to safely walk and bicycle to school. SRTS programs are implemented nationwide by parents, students, schools, community leaders, and local, state, and tribal governments.
Mini-grants fund activities that range from the nuts and bolts that help start or sustain a program to new ideas that explore the range of benefits of safe walking and bicycling. Selected mini-grant proposals will fit a school's identified needs and interests around safe walking and bicycling. The mini-grant activities should occur between January 1, 2012, and the end of the Spring 2012 semester.
Applications are due Wednesday, October 19, 2011.
Who can apply for a mini-grant?
Eligible applicants include:
Adult-supervised elementary or middle school groups or club; Faculty, staff, or parent volunteers at elementary or middle schools;
Local and Tribal governments; and/or
Non-profit organizations that will work with a school to improve safety and/or increase participants.
Treasurer’s Corner
Fiscal Year Close Out
Is your term as treasurer coming to an end or are you committed to another year? Either way, it’s time to close out your fiscal year and ensure that all materials are available for the annual financial review. The purpose of the review is to:
Certify the accuracy of the books;
Assure the membership that the association’s assets are being managed in a business like manner;
Verify that the board has fulfilled its fiduciary responsibility; and
Satisfy your bylaws requirement.
As you gather up the materials for the review, make sure that you provide an annual financial report (budget vs actual) so that the reviewer has a complete picture. Remember, you don’t have to wait for the final bank statement to begin the review, the review should be completed and on file with the Maryland PTA office by October 1st.. Another responsibility in closing out the fiscal year is the submission of all governmental/organizational forms, which include; Personal Property Return (was due on April 15th); 990N or 990EZ (depending on your threshold of gross income), a copy must be sent to the Maryland PTA office when completed; Sales Tax Remittal; Annual Update to the Secretary of State or Registration to the Secretary of State (Charitable Solicitation Report); Insurance Payment (due by August 1st); and Changing of Signature Cards at the bank. All of these items will assist the incoming treasurer and provide for a smooth transition. It will also be helpful if you make yourself available to answer any questions and help if the need arises. If your PTA needs assistance or has any questions, please feel free to contact us at 410-760-6221 or you can e-mail treasurer@mdpta.org.
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2011 Maryland PTA Legislative Agenda
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HOW TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS TO AMEND BYLAWS
All proposed changes to the bylaws can be submitted by e-mail to bylaws@mdpta.org or by mail to: Bylaws Committee c/o MDPTA 5 Central Avenue Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061. Submittals may be made at any time. They must be received no later than January 27, 2012 for consideration at the July 2012 MDPTA State Convention. Any submissions received after that date will be held for the following year’s convention.
Proposed changes can be submitted by individuals, locals or by councils. It is necessary to send a copy of the Article and/or section the proposed change is being made to, exactly what the proposed change in wording is and how the Article and/or section will read with the change. The name of the person or group submitting the proposal as well as a rationale for the change should be attached. Please also include the phone number and e-mail address of a contact person in case the bylaws committee has any questions.
All submittals are considered by the bylaws committee. If they are found to not be in conflict with National PTA bylaws or illegal they get put forward to the Board of Directors at Winter Boards. The committee presents a recommendation with each proposal. They do not, however, have the ability to decide that any proposal does not go before the board of directors if they are legally sound.
A vote is taken by the board of directors on each proposed change. That is how the determination of which proposed bylaw amendments/changes move to the convention floor is made.
Below is an example of what a submittal should include:
Amendment #1
Article XII State Board of Directors Section 3 Quorum
Amend by adding “, including a majority of officers,”
CURRENT WORDING |
PROPOSED AMENDMENT |
IF ADOPTED, WILL READ |
Section 3. Quorum
At all meetings of the board, a majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. |
Section 3. Quorum
At all meetings of the board, a majority of the members of the board, including a majority of officers, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. |
Section 3. Quorum
At all meetings of the board, a majority of the members of the board, including a majority of officers, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. |
Proposed by: member John Smith ABC PTA Montgomery Council , jsmith@me.net 410-555-5555
Rationale: Some local PTA's have poor attendance by officers at Board of Directors meetings. This would make it clear that the presence of officers at Board meetings is essential for the functioning of their PTA and might decrease the tendency of PTAs to elect people not willing to fully commit to their duties. The effect at the State and Council level would likely be negligible as the officers of these organizations take their responsibilities seriously. |
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| Three for Me is a parent volunteer program. Participation opens school doors to parents and helps create a family-friendly school environment. Go to www.three4me.com
to learn how to start and sustain a program in your school.
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PTA is the largest child advocacy organization with over 7 million members in the National PTA and with nearly 200,000 members in the Maryland PTA, whose sole purpose is the education and welfare of all children at home, in our schools and communities nationwide.
History of PTA
Why PTA?
What does the PTA do?
What is the National PTA?
How can I join?
Who belongs to the PTA?
How can I benefit?
What does it cost?
National PTA website
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