How your PTA can help relief efforts in Haiti

I know you all are getting questions from people about if units can contribute here is the PTA policy on this. Please send this to unit presidents and any one that asks for it.

The California State PTA recognizes the need to extend support to the families harmed by natural disasters . Our hearts and prayers go out to these families as they work to rebuild their homes and communities. Since PTAs are often asked to provide assistance with the coordination of relief activities, it is important that the proper guidelines be followed.

PTAs are prohibited from making personal gifts to a specified family or individual. A PTA may not collect and disburse funds for the benefit of specified families or individuals. A PTA's EIN may not be used for the establishment or maintenance of any financial account designated for the benefit of specified families or individuals. The IRS may impose penalties if these rules are not observed.

PTA units, councils and districts may participate in community relief efforts by making a monetary donation to a relief organization recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization. Organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and United Way handle donations for relief efforts under benevolent fund procedures which mean that funds are received for disbursement to a broad class of potential recipients. These organizations may not accept funds for a specific family or individual.

In order for PTA funds to be donated, PTA financial procedures must be followed. The membership is the authorized body to approve, or ratify, the donation to another 501(c)(3) organization. The approval of the donation must appear in the minutes of a meeting of the association.

PTAs may participate in disaster relief efforts by

· Encouraging members to make personal donations to a relief organization of individual choice

· Encouraging members to volunteer to assist at a location providing services to disaster victims

· Providing information on local blood drive locations

· Providing information about other relief efforts in your community

PTAs may participate in personal tragedy relief efforts by

· Working to locate another agency or organization that may handle donated funds to benefit the affected family or individual

· Offering to meet with other community leaders to arrange with a local bank for the establishment of a special account to handle donated funds (Cannot use PTA EIN)

Tom Jennings

20th District PTA

CAPTA Finance Commissioner

831-241-8128

tomjennings20thpta@sbcglobal.net

Founder's Day - February 17th

Founders Day is a perfect time to renew the dedication to the Purposes of the PTA that were defined by PTA’s Founders more than a century ago. Each year in February, PTA honors the three founders as well as past and present PTA leaders. Through special programs and events, PTA also attempts to increase the awareness of its members and the community by highlighting achievements, activities, projects and goals.

Issues concerning immigrants, homeless children and families, the unemployed and the uneducated, and numerous health and safety concerns still need attention. However, through PTA advocacy to enact and enforce laws, children’s health is better protected and children are better fed, housed and educated, with parents more involved in their upbringing. The vision of PTA’s founders has been realized in many ways, and now it is up to present PTA members to continue the vision.

For more on Founder's Day, including ways to celebrate and continue the vision of PTA, see the CAPTA website Founder's Day page.

PTA District Meeting - January 21st - Please come!

Please, join us for one of our few General 20th District PTA board meetings. At least one member of your executive board should attend - preferably, you the President. We need to get to know each other more and work together and meeting together periodically helps us to do that.

We will also have a special guest, our State Representative and Mentor - Jackie Wood who is traveling all the way from SoCal to be at our meeting. If she can travel all that way, we should be able to travel the much shorter distances we have.

The meeting will be held on January 21st at 7:00 in the library at:
Bay View Elementary School
Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
680 Belden Street, Monterey, CA 93940

Here is a map to get you there: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=680+Belden+Street,+Monterey,+CA+93940&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=680+Belden+St,+Monterey,+CA+93940&gl=us&ei=tZNHS83xAY6wNvj84JAJ&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAsQ8gEwAA

Please come and enjoy our camaraderie and learn more about your PTA District.

PTA President's Challenge: Add 10 in 2010!

PTA President's Challenge

Add 10 in 2010!

Dear PTA Leader:

Happy New Year! Thank you for the important role you play in the California State PTA. If there is but one resolution I intend to embrace in 2010, it is to fully support and empower the work that you do.

You make the difference in serving children and enabling the work of teachers and staff. You are the voice for parent education and involvement. You are the advocate for laws and public policy that ensure the health, welfare and safety of every child. You are the PTA! And your efforts are enriched when PTA membership is strong ... and growing.

So, let's unite behind a positive resolution for the new year: Add 10 in 2010!

January brings new students, second-semester enthusiasm, and wonderful opportunities to welcome a broader circle of parents and community members to enhance PTA's impact on California's children and families.

Reignite your membership campaign, promote the benefits of PTA to your wider community, and resolve to add at least 10 members to your PTA in 2010 before March 31, 2010!

If every unit reaches out to encourage and welcome an additional 10 members by mid-March, we will be dramatically strengthened to meet the important goals we embrace for all children. As president of the California State PTA, I encourage you to help us amplify the collective voice of our organization.

There is no better time than today. In this year of unprecedented school budget and economic challenges, the mission of the 112-year-old PTA becomes ever more crucial for the future of children in our state and nation. Now more than ever, PTA is a rallying point for parents and teachers who resolve to build a stronger and more cohesive school community and a culture of success for all students.

Let's embrace this resolution together! Accept the challenge of a brand new year and "Add 10 in 2010!" To assist you, click here to find a page of ideas you can share with your board and parent community. My best wishes as you resolve to support every child with one voice ... and together we will unleash the power and unlimited potential of PTA membership.

Sincerely,




Jo A.S. Loss
President

To read this letter in Spanish, click here.
Para leer esta carta en español, haga clic aquí.