Florida PTA

INTRODUCTION Florida PTA is the largest statewide volunteer association working exclusively on behalf of children and youth. Founded in 1923 as a branch of the 4 million member National PTA, Florida PTA is made up of approximately 1,450 local units with more than 300,000 Florida members seeking to unite home, school and community for all children. For over 120 years, PTA has provided resources and important information to parents, educators and elected officials. PTA members advocate every day for children. A HISTORY OF PTA The National PTA, was founded on February 17, 1897, by Alice McClellen Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, in Washington D.C. It was originally called the National Congress of Mothers. Florida PTA is the largest statewide volunteer organization working exclusively on behalf of children and youth. Founded in 1923 as a branch of the 6 million member National PTA, Florida PTA is made up of approximately 1,450 local units with 300,000 Florida members seeking to unite home, school and community for all children. SUPPORT FLORIDA PTA As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization, Florida PTA is authorized to accept tax deductible charitable contributions in coalition with state and local agencies cooperating to influence policy makers on the health, education, welfare, and safety issues affecting children and youth. Any mother, father, teacher, principal, custodian, cafeteria worker, coach, counselor, grandparent, student, businessperson or citizen who believes that children are our future is a welcome part of our organization. OUR MISSION Our mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. OUR PURPOSE - To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, places of worship, and throughout the community - To raise the standards of home life - To advocate for laws that further the education, physical and mental health, welfare, and safety of children and youth - To promote the collaboration and engagement of families and educators in the education of children and youth - To engage the public in united efforts to secure the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of all children and youth - To advocate for fiscal responsibility regarding public tax dollars in public education funding PTA VALUES - Collaboration: We will work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and organizations to broaden and enhance our ability to serve and advocate for all children and families. - Commitment: We are dedicated to children’s educational success, health, and well-being through strong family and community engagement, while remaining accountable to the principles upon which our association was founded. - Diversity: We acknowledge the potential of everyone without regard, including but not limited to: age, culture, economic status, educational background, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, legal status, marital status, mental ability, national origin, organizational position, parental status, physical ability, political philosophy, race, religion, sexual orientation, and work experience. - Respect: We value the individual contributions of members, employees, volunteers, and partners as we work collaboratively to achieve our association’s goals. - Accountability: All members, employees, volunteers, and partners have a shared responsibility to align their efforts toward the achievement of our association’s strategic initiatives.