505: Growing Youth Membership and Leadership in PTA/PTSA

Growing Youth Membership and Leadership in PTA/PTSA Gabriel Unruh National PTA Board of Directors Jeanette Jin National PTA Board of Directors

The lack of engaged youth members and leaders in PTA is a diversity and inclusion problem.

Proven ways to engage youth in PTA/PTSA

Scholarships Student led event planning Partnering with existing student organizations Aligning PTA/PTSA needs/expectations with student needs/expectations Creating student leadership positions Start local

Scholarship As the cost of college continues to rise, college-bound students continue to look for scholarship opportunities. A PTA/PTSA scholarship could help engage more students in the work of the PTA. Make requirements for the scholarship based on active participation in PTA. Advertise the scholarship with the school’s counseling office and other venues.

Student Led Event Planning When planning a PTA/PTSA event, ask the school for student participation. Ask administrators if there are student leaders who could give advice and recommendations on potential events. Meet with these students and ask them to be a part of the planning process. If you give confidence to the student, you will get confidence in return.

Existing Student Organizations Utilize existing student organizations when trying to engage students. Co-sponsor events with a student club such as Student Government or Cheerleading Squad. Ask if you can attend a club meeting or event to get a pulse on student activities.

Aligning Needs and Expectations Often PTA/PTSA needs and expectations do not match the needs and expectations of students. Work with administration, parents, and students to identify what student’s need. Additionally, identify what student’s expect out of their PTA/PTSA. Ask “Are our current activities making a difference?” and “What can our PTA/PTSA do to make a difference today?”

Student Leadership Positions If you PTSA does not already have student officer positions, consider revising your bylaws to create them. You can choose how engaged you want your student officers to be. Student officers can be voting or non-voting, advisory or hands-on. Hold elections, engage other clubs and administrators in finding possible candidates. Express to students the benefits of the positions i.e. good experience, chance to make a difference, resume builder for college.

Start Local Get your own students involved first. Encourage them to stop by a meeting. Ask if they will bring friends. This can often be the first step to actively engaging more students permanently.

Q&A

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