The California State PTA Bylaws, Article III (Bylaws) states:
“The organization shall be noncommercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan.
“The organization shall work to engage and empower children, families and educators within
schools and communities to provide quality education for all children and youth and shall seek to
participate in the decision- making process by influencing school policy and advocating for
children’s issues, recognizing that the legal responsibility to make decisions has been
delegated by the people to boards of education, state education authorities, and local education
authorities.”
“The organization shall work to promote the health and welfare of children and youth and shall seek to promote collaboration between parents, schools, and the community at large.
“Commitment to inclusiveness and equity, knowledge of PTA, and professional expertise shall be
guiding principles for service in this organization.”
“No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, directors, trustees, officers, or other private persons except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II hereof.
“Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (i) by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
“Upon the dissolution of this organization, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more nonprofit funds, foundations, or organizations that have established their tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and whose purposes are in accordance with those of the National PTA.
“The organization or members in their official capacities shall not – directly or indirectly – participate or intervene (in any way, including the publishing or distributing of statements) in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office, or devote more than an insubstantial part of its activities to attempting to influence legislation by propaganda or otherwise.
“The organization or members in their official capacities shall not endorse a commercial entity or engage in activities not related to promoting the Purposes of the organization.
“The organization shall not enter into membership with other organizations except such international, national, or state organizations as may be approved by California State PTA.
“California State PTA or any of its divisions may cooperate with other organizations and agencies concerned with child welfare, but a PTA/PTSA representative shall make no commitments that bind the group he or she represents.”
A National PTA parent survey found the top three things parents say PTA does best.
PTA
- Is effective in improving my child’s education.
- Works to make schools safer for children.
- Has positive impact for all children, not just my own.
