The National PTA (National Congress of Parents and Teachers) is a volunteer educational organization, founded in Washington, D.C., in 1897. Branches of the National PTA have been established in all fifty United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and in schools for American dependents in Europe and the Pacific area.
California State PTA (California Congress of Parents, Teachers, and Students, Inc.) is a branch of the National PTA, serving as a connecting link between the national organization and its membership within the state. California State PTA shall provide training and support for its units/councils/districts. (See California State PTA Map, Fig. K-1)
District PTAs are geographical divisions of California State PTA, established to carry out its programs. District PTAs shall provide training and support for their units and councils. All PTA districts organized after July 1, 1980, are required to have number designations.
Councils of PTAs are created by California State PTA for the purpose of collaboration, leadership training, and coordination of efforts of the member units.
Unit PTAs are organized and chartered in conformity with rules and regulations as prescribed in the bylaws of California State PTA. These units are self-governing bodies for the purpose of planning programs and activities to meet local community needs. However, they are required to observe the policies and procedures of California State PTA and/or National PTA.
