The seven commissions can be classified into two groups: (1) those dealing primarily with internal, organizational matters: special events, leadership services, membership services, and communications; and (2) those dealing with external issues in which PTA has a vital interest: health & community concerns, education, and family engagement.
The commissions are chaired by vice presidents elected biennially by the PTA membership at the annual convention in odd-numbered years. Commissioners are appointed members who serve during the administration. The treasurer, secretary, and parliamentarian serve on the leadership services commission.
California State PTA constantly assesses children’s needs to determine where and how PTA action should be initiated or intensified. State resolutions, letters, and results of studies from unit, council, and district PTAs as well as National PTA programs and priorities provide direction to the California State PTA Board of Managers. Each commission develops its plan of action based on the goals and priorities of the association.
The work of the commissions is facilitated through special committee studies and cooperation with statewide allied groups, agencies, and coalitions whose goals are similar to PTAs. Each commission is responsible for providing leadership and education to unit, council, and district PTAs to help implement the projects and activities that fall within its area of concern. Through PTA in California, the website – capta.org – and other avenues of communication, unit, council, and district PTAs are kept informed of current projects, the progress of studies, and the initiation of new projects.
Communications Commission
Convention Commission
Health and Community Concerns Commission
- Bullying prevention
- School and Community Safety
- Tobacco and Substance Abuse Prevention
- Chronic Absence and Truancy
- Mental, personal and community health issues
- Homeless and Foster Youth
The Commission supports collaborations among families, schools, communities, institutions, agencies and organizations, which are essential to the health, wellbeing and academic success of California’s children and youth.
Education Commission
Leadership Services Commission
Legislation Team
All Legislation Team members are also members of the Legislation Action Committee. There, Legislation Team members may present bills and ballot measures to the LAC for consideration of legislative action. The team works closely with the subject matter commissions to determine which proposed legislative matters have the highest priority, and the commissions are responsible for preparing background information and authority for bills in their area being recommended for action. Once a position has been adopted, the legislation team is responsible for all further actions on legislation. This includes relaying information on PTA positions to legislators, seeking appropriate amendments, offering testimony if needed, coordinating mobilization of members,and communicating PTA action on these matters to the constituent organizations of California State PTA.
Membership Services Commission
Family Engagement Commission
The commission supports parents/guardians and family caregivers by strengthening/teaching parenting skills and encouraging engagement in schools and at home, supporting the understanding of childhood development stages, providing resource materials, and networking with agencies and groups that focus on family engagement.
Student State Board Members
Service to Unit, Council, and District PTAs
California State PTA Brief Statements on Current Issues
Figure
Organizational Flow Chart (pdf)
