Who We Are
California State PTA connects families, schools and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public-education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child-advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health and well-being of all children and families.
We believe every adult has a responsibility to ensure that all children develop to their full potential. We believe parents are children’s first teachers and that parent involvement is essential throughout a child’s educational experience. We believe that family is the basic unit of society responsible for the support and nurturing of all children, and we recognize that “the family” may be defined in many ways. We believe our responsibility includes advocating for the safety and welfare of all children and the opportunity for a quality public education for each child.
We’re also part of National PTA – the largest child advocacy association in America.
Our Mission
Our mission is to positively impact the lives of all children and families.
Advocacy Goals 2025-2027
PTA has a bold history of advocacy to protect children, youth, and families. Consistent with our organization’s commitment to democratic principles and human rights, California State PTA’s advocacy supports the adoption of legislation and implementation of policies that:
- Protect the rights of all children, youth, and families, regardless of background, status, or identity;
- Assure high-quality, inclusive, and equitable public education for all children and youth, including meaningful opportunities for all parents, guardians, and families to participate in local schools.
- Safeguard all children, youth, and families’ health, safety, and well-being; and
- Support measures that equip students, schools, and communities to address climate change.
Organizational Goals 2025-2027
- Collaboration: We will work in partnership with a wide array of individuals, coalitions, and organizations to ensure a strong and inclusive PTA, and enhance our capacity to serve and advocate for all children, youth, and families.
- Commitment: We are dedicated, through strong family and active community engagement, to creating a positive and safe environment for promoting good health, well-being, and educational achievement for all children.
- Diversity: We acknowledge the potential of every individual regardless of background and identity to contribute to their community.
- Respect: We honor the unique contributions of every member, employee, volunteer, and partner, uniting with a shared purpose to serve families and communities.
- Accountability: We are all accountable (members, employees, volunteers, and partners) to positively impact the lives of all children, youth, and families to ensure their safety and welfare, and to promote quality public education for all children.
What We Do
Working together, we promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship; raise the standards of home life; secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth; bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth; and develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education.
Why PTA?
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Increased Parental Involvement: PTAs encourage parents to get involved in school activities and decision-making processes, creating a supportive student environment. Increased parental involvement is linked to improved academic performance, better attendance rates, and reduced behavioral issues.
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Enhanced Communication: PTAs serve as a bridge between parents to enrich students’ learning experiences and teachers, administrators, and the school community. They provide a platform for sharing information and student environment concerns and fostering open dialogue, leading to better understanding and collaboration.
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Fundraising and Resource Allocation: PTAs often organize fundraisers to support various educational programs, extracurricular activities, and infrastructure improvements. These additional resources can significantly enrich students’ educational experiences.
Partners and Coalitions
Sponsors
Connect with us!
ContactInterested in learning more about California State PTA? Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can partner with your school community.
