Ask WSPTA: Advocacy vs. Lobbying
What’s the difference between advocacy and lobbying? Advocacy is the act of speaking for, in support of, or to plead a cause on behalf of others. For example, PTAs advocate when they inform members or decision-makers on a topic of concern. Lobbying is attempting to influence a specific decision. For example, an activity is lobbying when it involves asking…
February Checklist for Councils Supporting Local PTAs
February Monthly Tasks Continue assisting with items from the “Ongoing Tasks” list. Refer to the February Checklist for Running Your PTA. Encourage leaders to subscribe to the Action Network to participate in timely action alerts with updates on the ongoing legislative session. As a bonus, subscribers to the Action Network receive the “Focus on Advocacy” newsletter. Remind local leaders…
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Leadership
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Training
WSPTA Seeks Presenters for 2024 Convention!
Do you have a program or practice you want to share with others? Here’s an opportunity to speak on topics showcasing your knowledge and experience with a wide audience of state leaders. WSPTA is now seeking session proposals for the 2024 Convention and Annual Meeting! The event will be held May 17-19, 2024, at the…
Ask WSPTA: Can a PTA sign up for a Venmo account?
Here’s a common question we receive in the support@wastatepta.org inbox: Can our PTA set up a Venmo account for fundraising? For a long time, we highly discouraged the use of Venmo because it was not designed to work for nonprofits. Over the past couple years, Venmo has introduced a new version of its product that…
Attend National PTA’s LegCon Hill Day: March 5-7 in Alexandria, VA
National PTA’s Legislative Conference and Hill Day (LegCon Hill Day) will take place March 5-7, 2024 in Alexandria, VA. Learn from advocates across the country. Share PTA priorities with your members of Congress! Here’s the link to the National PTA website page with all the relevant information. Here’s the link to the Eventbrite page…
January Checklist for Running Your PTA
Ongoing Tasks Attend any board and membership meetings Read meeting minutes and offer corrections Prepare reports for board and membership meetings Get educated: take advantage of in-person and online training opportunities Be familiar with your responsibilities and fulfill them Review and ask questions about the monthly financial report Actively engage in a plan for membership…
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Leadership
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Training
January Checklist for Councils Supporting Local PTAs
January Monthly Tasks Continue assisting with items from the “Ongoing Tasks” list. Refer to the January Checklist for Running Your PTA. Reflections entries due to WSPTA by January 18 Councils can access the submission form here. Contact Reflections@wastatepta.org with questions. Remind local PTAs about the 1099-NEC due for independent contractors by January 31 For contractors you paid more than $600…
Category:
Leadership
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Training
December Checklist for Councils Supporting Local PTAs
Ongoing Tasks Review the 2023-24 Standards of Affiliation (SOA) Checklist. Host a training or roundtable at council membership meetings addressing timely SOA requirements. Offer support to local PTAs who may be struggling with any of the SOA requirements. At each council membership meeting, share the SOA items that your council has completed to model best…
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Training
July Checklist for Councils Supporting Local PTAs
Ongoing Tasks Remind local PTAs of the memberplanet database shutdown. Until July 15, PTAs will have limited access to memberplanet. Offer support to local PTAs who may be struggling with any of the SOA requirements. Work with your region director to support any local PTAs with fewer than 25 members or any local PTAs without…
Tip of the Week – March 17
5 Reasons Why Training is Important Training can level the playing field. If someone wants to volunteer for a board position but is unsure of what might be required, training can clarify the expectations. Training provides people the chance to assess their own skill level. How well do you know what is being taught? Training…
Category:
Leadership
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Training