PTA -- the Parent Teacher Association -- comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and busness and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. Founded in 1897, PTA is a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.

Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. Every person who joins a local PTA automatically becomes a member of the state and national PTA, forming connections within his or her school community while gaining access to valuable resources and a nationwide network of parent leaders and advocates. To find a PTA near you, or to join the national PTA unit directly, go to www.pta.org/how_to_join.asp.

PTA organizes hard-working, dedicated volunteers to improve family-school communications and work with schools to ensure that children succeed. Local units have access to ready-made, easy-to-use programs with proven success records: PTA Healthy Lifestyles, PTA Take Your Family to School Week, PTA Teacher Appreciation Week, the PTA Reflections arts recognition program, Family-School Partnerships, and more. National PTA resources such as PTA.org, The Official PTA Kit, the PTA Parent e-newsletter, and Our Children magazine provide additional parenting and family involvement tools.

As the oldest and largest volunteer child advocacy association in the United States, PTA's legacy of influencing federal policy to protect the education, health, and overall well-being of children has made an indelible impact in the lives of millions of children and families.