Membership
How Do I Become a Member?
Any individual who subscribes to the purposes and basic policies of the PTA becomes a member upon payment of dues to a PTA or PTSA unit. Each member receives an official membership card from the unit. The membership card issued shows that the dues paid to the unit include membership in the California State PTA and National PTA and expires October 31.
Each PTA is separate from any other PTA and gives special services to a specific group of children. Members having children in more than one school may pay dues to support the PTA or youth in each child’s school. (Article VII, Section 4 California State PTA Bylaws 8.1, 331)
If your school is interested in forming a PTA, please Contact Fourth District PTA. We will be happy to direct you to the PTA officers in your community who can help you.
Becoming a PTA member opens up leadership opportunities, and builds skills in communication and advocacy strategies. Members who are willing to get involved are a valuable resource for starting and maintaining programs and projects to benefit children, youth, and the community.
Enrolling members in the PTA is a year-long activity that is carried out by a membership committee. The primary reason for developing membership in the PTA is to build an informed team of individuals to work on behalf of all children and youth.
Any individual who subscribes to the purposes and basic policies of the PTA becomes a member upon payment of dues to a PTA or PTSA unit. Each member receives an official membership card from the unit. The membership card issued shows that the dues paid to the unit include membership in the California State PTA and National PTA and expires October 31.
Each PTA is separate from any other PTA and gives special services to a specific group of children. Members having children in more than one school may pay dues to support the PTA or youth in each child’s school. (Article VII, Section 4 California State PTA Bylaws 8.1, 331)
If your school is interested in forming a PTA, please Contact Fourth District PTA. We will be happy to direct you to the PTA officers in your community who can help you.
Perks Make $ense!
- 4th District
- CA State PTA
- National PTA
Be sure to check with your council and unit PTAs for their own membership perks too!
Advocacy Communicator Archives
2025
November 2025
- Bills supported by PTA were signed into law
- Legislative Forum – November 19 @4 PM via Zoom
- Sac Safari – February 23-24
- State PTA Legislation Conference
- PTA Toolkit
- National PTA speaks out on U.S. Department of Education Layoffs
Talking Points to help you easily present an up-to-date advocacy report at your PTA meeting are also available here.
October 2025
- What is PTA’s position on firearms and gun violence?
- CAPTA believes AI can be a valuable learning tool
- Proposition 50 would redraw Congressional district lines
Talking Points to help you easily present an up-to-date advocacy report at your PTA meeting are also available here.
September 2025
- What’s in this year’s education budget?
- PTA responds to ICE raids at or near schools.
- Resources for well-informed PTA advocates.
- Talking Points
June 2025
- Education programs are cut in the federal budget
- Proposed California budget maintains education funding
- Dropping student enrollment in California—why it matters
- Talking Points
May 2025
- California State PTA positions on state legislative bills
- Where to get information about lead in water
- How CAPTA takes positions on bills
- Talking Points
April 2025
- California State PTA positions on state legislative bills
- News about the California State PTA Convention
- National PTA response to dismantling of the Department of Education
- Talking Points
March 2025
- Calls to action from National PTA
- Highlights from Sacramento Safari
- Our message to California legislators
- Talking Points
February 2025
- Governor’s proposed budget
- How LCFF money is distributed
- Advocating in your school district
- Talking Points
January 2025
- The federal Department of Education – what does it do?
- General Election results are certified.
- Predictions about this year’s state budget process.
- Talking Points
2024
December 2024
- Standardized test results – how did Orange County do?
- A new family engagement resource from National PTA
- Upcoming events – Sacramento Safari! Convention! Legislation Conference!
- Talking Points
November 2024
- Get involved in the LCAP process
- How will your school district restrict cellphones in the classroom?
- Supporting all students in our schools
- Talking Points
October 2024
- National PTA’s revised resolution on gun safety
- PTA-supported bills that have become state law
- New state student data base is coming soon
- Talking Points
September 2024
- State budget continues to support education
- New Orange County Superintendent of Schools
- Fourth District PTA supports bill to change OC Board of Education
- PTA involvement in the election
- CAPTA supports four ballot propositions
- Talking Points
June 2024
- What is in the governor’s May revise budget?
- How to be involved in your district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan
- Three resolutions passed at the California State PTA Convention
- Talking Points
May 2024
- Planning for candidate forums
- How to have a civil conversation
- The full Dashboard is back
- Dr. Mijares announces retirement
- Talking Points
April 2024
- Bills that California State PTA supports
- Learn how to help depolarize our communities
- Bringing creative change to your school
- Talking Points
March 2024
- Concerns about the budget deficit
- Our messages to state legislators
- Key points from Safari speakers
- Talking Points
February 2024
- The governor’s initial budget proposal
- Ideas from the Fourth District PTA Advocacy Forum
- Information about the March Primary Election
- Talking Points
January 2024
- A $68 billion deficit in the next state budget
- Why is the California state budget a roller coaster?
- Candidates for three seats on the Orange County Board of Education
- Idea-sharing Advocacy Forum on January 19
- Talking Points
2023
December 2023
- New requirements for the Local Control Funding Formula
- Orange County School Board withdraws requested change for now
- Information about statewide testing results
- Talking Points
November 2023
- Advocacy Forum with state legislators
- PTA-supported bills that have become law
- Information about Sacramento Safari
- Talking Points
October 2023
- Fourth District PTA position in OCBE duties
- Time to visit your legislators
- Get ready for your school district’s LCAP
- Talking Points
September 2023
- What is in this year’s state education budget?
- Grand Jury reports on Orange County children
- Resources for advocates
- Talking Points
June 2023
- Gov. Newsom’s revised education budget
- Proposed dyslexia screening mandate
- Information about Prop. 28 arts education funding
- Talking Points
May 2023
- PTA advocacy is important – get ready for next year!
- Fourth District PTA leaders take on State PTA roles!
- State bills supported by PTA
- Talking Points
April 2023
- Testing students for dyslexia
- Superintendents Forum – don’t miss it!
- CAPTA State Convention
- Talking Points
March 2023
- Prop. 28 arts education funding is coming
- Fourth District PTA’s messages to legislators
- CAPTA’s position on DEI
- Talking Points
February 2023
- Governor Newsom’s budget proposal for education
- Why your legislative district may have two senators, or none
- The LCFF at 10 years
- Talking Points
January 2023
- Work continues on the state’s Cradle-to-Career longitudinal database.
- The California School Dashboard is back.
- Flavored tobacco ban goes into effect.
- Talking Points
Before 2023
December 2022
- Education budget cuts are coming. How bad will it be?
- Election results for Orange County.
- Time to register for Sacramento Safari!
- Talking Points
November 2022
- How to get involved in your district’s LCAP process.
- An Orange County resource for accurate school information.
- PTA-supported bills that passed into law.
- Talking Points
October 2022
- Vote YES on Prop. 28 and Prop 31
- PTA and the General Election
- Get ready to go to Sacramento
- Where school funding comes from
- Talking Points
September 2022
- Another record-breaking education budget
- Vote yes on Prop. 28 and Prop. 31
- Advocacy Training Workshop on September 16
- Talking Points
June 2022
- A record-breaking education budget and CAPTA’s response
- Getting ready for next year’s LCAP process
- Test your knowledge about the California legislature
- Talking Points
May 2022
- Now is a good time to start planning school board candidate forums
- How to be a powerful PTA advocate
- Kevin Gordon will speak on the Governor’s May revise budget
- Talking Points
April 2022
- Two opportunities for high school student advocates
- Candidate forum for OC Superintendent and OC Board of Education
- Advocacy activities at the California State PTA Convention
- Talking Points
March 2022
- A bill to increase base grant amounts, sponsored by California State PTA
- An effort to dramatically increase arts education funding for public schools
- A bill to change the timing of Orange County Board of Education elections
- Talking Points
February 2022
- Information about the Governor’s “incredibly bold” proposed education budget.
- How are Orange County school districts coping with the pandemic?
- Sacramento Safari will be virtual.
- Talking Points
January 2022
- A new state budget process begins: how will the $31 billion surplus be used?
- Fourth District PTA Advocacy Forum with Orange County school superintendents
- A new statewide student tracking system
- Talking Points
December 2021
- A positive prediction on school funding
- Information about the Local Control Funding Formula and recommendations to improve it
- California State PTA statement on the vaccination mandate
- Talking Points
November 2021
- A potential fiscal cliff for California schools
- California State PTA Advocacy Goals for 2021-23
- Bills supported by PTA that have become law
- A new OCDE resource for information on current education issues
- Talking Points
October 2021
- Putting together a resolution for the 2022 PTA State Convention
- Virtual Advocacy Training Workshop on October 8
- Resources for arts education advocates
- Sacramento Safari is going back to the state capitol
September 2021
- The largest education budget in California history—how will it be spent?
- Information on the recall election
- Resources to help you be an effective advocate for children
- Talking Points
June 2021
- The biggest education budget in California history!
- More mental health services at schools
- Last chance to provide input on your school district’s LCAP
- Talking Points
May 2021
- How you can build your PTA advocacy program.
- Why the “May revise” is important.
- Bills that California State PTA supports.
- California State PTA convention.
- Talking Points
April 2021
- California is creating a Cradle-to-Career Data System
- Requests to Congress from the National PTA Legislative Conference
- State bills supported by California State PTA
- Talking Points
March 2021
- State lawmakers pass a $6.6 billion bill to reopen schools
- Proposed bills that California State PTA supports
- CAPTA’s 10 recommendations for the safe reopening of schools
- Talking Points
February 2021
- Governor Newsom’s budget proposals to reopen schools and address student learning loss.
- Information from State Superintendent of Schools Tony Thurmond.
- Virtual PTA advocacy events in February and March.
January 2021
- California schools to receive $6.8 billion from federal relief package
- California lawmakers begin introducing bills that impact schools
- State issues school reopening plan with input from PTA
- Four upcoming virtual PTA advocacy events
- Talking Points
December 2020
- California may receive $26 billion in unanticipated tax revenues
- Information about Fourth District and State PTA legislative events
- How you can help our State PTA lobbyists quickly and easily
- The tobacco industry is a step closer to stopping a ban on flavored tobacco products
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs December 2020
November 2020
- Decline to sign on to tobacco industry’s effort to stop a new law
- The annual Superintendents Forum is coming to your computer
- The various sources of school funding
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs November 2020
October 2020
- A $17.8 billion shortfall in education funding
- Voting options for the November 3 General Election
- Resources for well-informed advocates
- New state law bans the sale of flavored tobacco and vaping products
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs October 2020
SEPTEMBER 2020
- Advocacy Forum and Training on September 11.
- Get ready to vote in the General Election.
- California State PTA supports Proposition 15 and 16.
- A new version of the LCAP.
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs September 2020
JUNE 2020
- California’s proposed education budget is grossly insufficient. The harms will be severe and lasting. Children will be hurt. Find out what you can do.
- A Statewide Association Meeting will replace this year’s CAPTA Convention. Sign up!
- CAPTA Advocacy Webinars will continue this summer.
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs June 2020
May 2020
- A call to action by National PTA and articles explaining why this is urgent.
- New LCAP requirements for school districts.
- Update on the Schools and Communities First initiative.
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs May 2020
April 2020
- California State PTA positions on recent bills
- What the federal relief bill means for schools
- The California Lottery has been shortchanging schools
- How school district superintendents are dealing with the crisis
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs April 2020
March 2020
- A report on Sacramento Safari
- Fourth District PTA’s messages to state lawmakers
- National PTA’s response to President Trump’s proposed budget
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs March 2020
February 2020
- Important information! 13 on the March Primary Election ballot is a $15 billion school facilities bond. It does not change your property tax.
- What’s in Governor Newsom’s proposed state budget?
- Thoughts from Orange County superintendents.
- Get ready for a new way of voting in Orange County.
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs February 2020
- Orange County’s new way of voting
- Why the 2020 U.S. Census is important
- The status of the contested Orange County Department of Education budget
- Fourth District PTA Advocacy Forum on January 24
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs January 2020
December 2019
- Two state initiatives supported by California State PTA that would increase school funding.
- How your PTA can support a local school facilities bond.
- Why the Orange County Department of Education is in an unprecedented situation.
- An upcoming Advocacy Forum with Orange County school superintendents.
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs December 2019
November 2019
- Bills supported by California State PTA that have become law
- A CAPTA co-sponsored bill on education funding that is still under consideration
- An explanation about boards of education in Orange County
- An exciting Advocacy Forum with state legislators
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs November 2019
- Advocating for arts education in your school district.
- Now is a good time to visit your state legislator in his or her local office.
- New rules for charter schools.
- Details on Sacramento Safari, the most exciting advocacy event of the year!
- How to plug into California State PTA advocacy conference calls.
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs October 2019
- What you need to know as a new Advocacy Representative
- Legislative Bills to watch
- Do we have enough school funding?
- Important Advocacy Forum dates
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs September 2019
June 2019
- Update on Governor’s May revise of the budget. Education spending up $3.8 billion to $147 billion this year.
- AB 39 Muratsuchi passed the Assembly to raise LCFF base education funding to closer the per pupil national average.
- Charter schools may be getting greater student acceptance oversight.
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs June 2019
May 2019
- Get an update on CA Charter School legislation
- Plan for next year’s advocacy now!
- Healthy Youth Act requirements
- Join the May 28th Advocacy conference call!
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs May 2019
April 2019
- California PTA positions on current legislation update
- Join the next CAPTA Advocacy Conference Call
- Do you have and Advocacy representative for next year? Here’s how to get started now!
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs April 2019
March 2019
- Sacramento Safari Update- Mental Health Services and More
- Charter School Legislation Update
- Mental Health Resources
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs March 2019
February 2019
- Governor Newsom’s proposed budget = good news for families
- LCAP resources you can use now!
- CAPTA joins Create CA to promote art programs for all students
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs February 2019
January 2019
- Easy steps to advocate directly to our state legislators
- National PTA stance of National School Safety Report
- Have you registered for Sacramento Safari yet??
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs January 2019
2018
December 2018
- Register for Sacramento Safari now! Prices go up December 16th
- More money next year for public schools
- Issues affecting Educational Funding
- Midterm election results
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs December 2018
November 2018
- LCAP starts now! Learn how to get involved!
- Sacramento Safari Registration is open
- State legislative updates
- November 16th Advocacy Forum: “Follow the Money!”
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs November 2018
- Learn about new updated study on the state of CA’s public schools
- CA Dashboard gets a make-over, a preview
- Important Sacramento Safari Registration Information
- Voter Registration- Yes! PTA can help with that too- learn how
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs October 2018
- New! List of PTA Advocate Resources
- An update on PTA’s Family Engagement bill AB 2878
- Importance of Arts Education for all children
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs September 2018
- The Governor’s May revision of the state education budget
- An update on PTA’s Family Engagement bill AB 2878
- Update on the Local Control Funding Formula
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs June 2018
- Update on California legislation supported by California PTA
- Fun facts to find at ed100.org
- Join in the next California PTA Advocacy call
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs May 2018
- Late Start legislation for 7-12th graders
- Additional education funds from the state budget this year
- Legislation update on state bills supported by California PTA
- Join in the next California PTA Advocacy call
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs April 2018
- A quick Sacramento Safari recap!
- How to join California PTA’s call to action against gun violence on March 14th #nomore
- New study shows correlation between higher education funds and student success
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs March 2018
New ‘Next Steps’ An easy way to advocate now!
- Governor Brown’s proposed 2018-2019 education funding explained
- Defining Family Engagement for the Local Control Accountability Plan
- How important Parent Involvement is to student success
- Dashboard information
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs February 2018
- Advocating for children with your local school board
- LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan) involvement
- What additional funds might mean for education in 2018
- Sacramento Safari Information
Talking Points for Legislative Chairs January 2018
2017
- Ron Bennett’s CA education funding predictions for the 2018
- A summary of how California funds our public education system
- Previews the next Advocacy Forum on January 12 with CAPTA President Dianna MacDonald and Lynn Miyamoto CAPTA VP of Family Engagement
In this edition, PTA supported CA legislation summarized, effects of poverty on children and a link to our new Legislative Agenda!
This issue highlights a new way to compare your school district’s art curriculum with other schools through CreateCA.
The latest news on state and federal education budgets.
In this edition, we give you advocacy ideas you can use, and summarize the latest news on state and federal education budgets.
In this edition, we discuss the latest on charter schools, cover PTA positions on proposed legislation, and give you some tips on getting ready for next year. Are you ready to advocate?
In this edition, PTA responds to the proposed federal budget and how it handles education issues. For arts advocates, we offer Ed Code info to back you up. And if you missed our recent Advocacy Forum panel of five OC Superintendents, we recap some of the highlights here – what an amazing group!
In this edition, learn what PTA had to say about the U.S. Secretary of Education appointment. We also have updates for you on the new school accountability dashboard, money coming for school facilities, reasons to advocate for the arts, and info on the March 21st Advocacy Forum – a panel of five OC Superintendents. Get the details here!
We cover a lot of material in this edition, including the latest on the state budget that reveals some surprising news about where money for schools and education is really going. We also have opportunities coming up for you to learn more about how your own school district will be measuring up and what superintendents have to say about it. Read on!
In this issue, we explain how you can easily advocate for children with just a phone call or email. We also give you an outline with important dates for the new state legislative session. We invite you to our January 18th Advocacy Forum to learn about the state’s new school accountability system. And we tell you about three exciting opportunities in advocacy. Don’t miss this edition!
Prior issues can be found in the Advocacy Communicator archives.
Additional Information
Where can I find more information about membership?
- California State PTA Service Mailing (mailed to unit presidents each summer)
- The Membership section of the California State PTA Toolkit
- Fourth District PTA website
- California State PTA website
- National PTA website
FAQ
Where can one join PTA?
PTA is a membership association and people join a PTA unit each year by paying membership dues. People cannot join PTA at the council or PTA district level. Every PTA member in California belongs to at least one PTA unit. If you have children in different schools, you may join at each school.
Note: As a unit PTA member, you are also automatically a member of
- A council (if applicable)
- Fourth District PTA
- California State PTA
- National PTA
Is PTA only for parents?
No! Remember the T in PTA stands for teachers, and if your unit is a PTSA, the S stands for students! But don’t stop there. Invite school staff, school district staff, grandparents, business leaders and neighbors to become members. Attend a school board meeting and ask the school district trustees and administrators to become PTA members.
What does “per capita” mean?
“Per capita” means “per person” and refers to the portion of membership dues that does not belong to the PTA unit. The amount of membership dues is set by each PTA unit (the amount is listed in each PTA’s Bylaws) and includes the following:
- National PTA portion: $2.25
- California State PTA portion: $1.25
- PTA District portion: check bylaws
- PTA Council (if in council): check bylaws
- PTA Unit portion: remainder
Remember, the PTA unit can only keep and spend the unit portion; the rest belongs to the other levels of PTA and must be remitted to them.
Can we have “levels” of membership?
There is only one level of PTA membership but sometimes PTAs may wish to encourage or recognize financial support or contributions of differing amounts. The actual per person dues amount, however, must always be specified in the bylaws and members must be allowed to join at that price.
If the PTA wishes to solicit donations with levels of contribution, it is done as a separate project from the membership campaign. The membership campaign invitation should be for membership enrollment only. (Membership dues and donations to the PTA budget should be recorded separately.) Forexample, a gold donor/patron could reflect a contribution of $100; a silver donor/patron $50, or whatever names and amounts the PTA decides. The details of the donation project should be outlined in the standing rules and approved annually by the membership.
A membership drive is not a fundraising project; membership in PTA should be affordable to everyone. A good rule of thumb for membership dues is to collect an amount that will cover per capita for the constituent organizations – National PTA, California State PTA, district PTA and council PTA, if in council – and a small portion of each membership for liability insurance premiums.
What about “Family Memberships”?
The California State PTA discourages group and/or family memberships. The concept of group memberships (e.g., family memberships) must include the payment of per capita dues and a membership card issued to each member (California State PTA Toolkit ). The PTA’s bylaws must stipulate the number of members considered a family. If a PTA unit wishes to include a family membership dues structure, the amended bylaws must be forwarded (through channels) to the California State PTA parliamentarian for approval.
May we charge students a lower rate of membership dues?
Yes, you may have a student membership rate. However, student dues must be listed in your bylaws and must be enough to cover the portion of dues that is forwarded to council, district, state and national PTA. Student members’ dues may not be subsidized by the unit. The California State PTA Toolkit states:
Student Memberships
Student membership is a vital part of the association. Membership is open to students of all ages. Please see Involving Students for additional information. If a PTA unit chooses to include a student membership dues structure with lower dues for students, the bylaws must be amended to reflect this structure. The student membership dues should be at least equal to the portion of dues that are forwarded to council, district, state and National PTA.
Do we have to use the PTA membership envelopes?
Yes, you may have a student membership rate. However, student dues must be listed in your bylaws and must be enough to cover the portion of dues that is forwarded to council, district, state and national PTA. Student members’ dues may not be subsidized by the unit. The California State PTA Toolkit states:
Student Memberships
Student membership is a vital part of the association. Membership is open to students of all ages. Please see Involving Students for additional information. If a PTA unit chooses to include a student membership dues structure with lower dues for students, the bylaws must be amended to reflect this structure. The student membership dues should be at least equal to the portion of dues that are forwarded to council, district, state and National PTA.
Do we need to keep a membership list?
Yes, every PTA needs to keep a list of their members! (California Corporation Code Section 6320 provides that every California nonprofit corporation – like the California State PTA – shall keep a record of its members.) PTA membership chairmen should keep a list of their current members as they join. Keep the list updated as new members are enrolled. Include the member’s name, address, phone number and child/children’s name(s). The date they enrolled is also important. If your PTA can communicate electronically, get email addresses from your members as well.
Who should have the membership list?
Yes, every PTA needs to keep a list of their members! (California Corporation Code Section 6320 provides that every California nonprofit corporation – like the California State PTA – shall keep a record of its members.) PTA membership chairmen should keep a list of their current members as they join. Keep the list updated as new members are enrolled. Include the member’s name, address, phone number and child/children’s name(s). The date they enrolled is also important. If your PTA can communicate electronically, get email addresses from your members as well.
How should I fill out the membership cards?
Each individual member—not family—should receive a membership card. The card should include your unit’s 8-digit National PTA ID number (which can be found in your unit bylaws), a unique identifier in the right corner beginning with CA, the unit name and the member name. You may hand-write the cards, stamp them with a name stamp, or print them on your computer printer.
Must we distribute membership cards?
Absolutely! There are several good reasons that every member should receive a membership card:
- The card shows that dues have been paid.
- A membership card entitles the member to a ballot in any voting situation at any level of PTA.
- The “user” and “password” for the National PTA “Members Only” portion of their web site is emailed to the member when the membership card is activated. Members must be able to access that benefit and Member Benefits (discounts) described on the website.
- Convention attendees must show a membership card when registering to attend convention.
- Applicants for PTA scholarships and grants must provide a copy of their membership card.
Each member should get his/her own card; no cards should say “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” or “Smith family”.
Where do I put the expiration date on the new membership card?
The expiration date is no longer listed on the membership card. The membership year for the California State PTA is July 1 to June 30, but members are given until October 31 to re-join. This gives all members the opportunity to vote on the PTA program and budget at the beginning of the school year (August/September).