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President's Message
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Archives
March 2009
By Patty Christiansen, President
The power of one: making a difference
“Times are tough!”
“There is not enough money to go around!”
“Our principal has asked our PTA to pay for things we didn’t expect!”
These are the kinds of things I am hearing as I visit units and councils throughout Fourth District PTA.
I watch as PTA leaders tell their boards that there is no money to send delegates to convention. I am surprised to see PTA leaders cut this outstanding leadership training opportunity out of their budgets.
In 1897, when our founding mothers called for a meeting to initiate efforts on behalf of all children, they were astonished when more than 2,000 men and women showed up. Speaking out on behalf of children is what PTA does. We are one voice for every child.
This is not the time to diminish our voices!
Now, more than ever, we need to be out in front, making our voices heard. Now, more than ever, your unit or council PTA needs to send delegates to California State PTA Convention.
Time and money are scarce this year. Please do not allow the struggling economy to deny you the opportunity to exercise your right to vote, to help determine which direction our California State PTA will go.
PTA is a grassroots organization which takes direction from the vote of all of its members, at every level of PTA. Your vote as a convention delegate will help set the priorities of our organization. If you are unhappy with the direction or the priorities, you are given many opportunities to raise your voice at a microphone in the general meetings and address ALL of the delegates from throughout the state.
Building PTA leaders is essential to a thriving PTA and creates stronger voices to speak on behalf of children.
During these challenging budgetary times, your voice, raised on behalf of the children in your school, gives you the power.
At PTA convention, you are also empowered as you network with other PTA leaders from throughout the state. You are empowered as you receive training to help you serve our students, our schools, our parents and our organization.
This year, especially, let your voice be heard! Sending a delegate to California State PTA convention is one of the most important uses of PTA funds.
Any way you look at it, attendance at PTA convention is a must and well worth the few hundred dollars that are spent. It is an investment in the future leadership of your PTA.
Don’t miss the opportunity to exercise your voice, to exercise your right to vote! See you in San Jose on April 30 through May 3!