Membership
Membership Matters
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. The more members we have, the greater our voice when advocating to our legislators at local, state, and national levels.
2026-2027 Membership Challenges
Every great mission begins with a crew that believes in what they are launching toward. For California State PTA, that mission has never changed: every child, in every community, supported by families and educators who show up and speak up. This year, we are inviting every unit across the state to be part of something bigger.
Our 2026-2027 Membership Challenges are your launchpad, five opportunities to grow your community, strengthen your voice, and show what PTA can do when it reaches for the stars.
**All membership remittances must be received by California State PTA by the dates listed below. For questions or additional information, please contact California State PTA Membership Services Commission at membership@capta.org.
Mission: Membership
Challenge One:
Blast Off to Membership Success
The mission is live. Now it’s time to build your crew. Kick off your 2026–2027 PTA year with momentum by remitting 50 members by September 30th. Getting members on board early sets the tone for the entire year. It means more voices, more volunteers, and more impact for the students and families you serve. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. The countdown is already running. Ignite your membership engine and show your community that your PTA is ready for takeoff!
Units that complete this challenge will be entered to win one of two $100 prizes.
Challenge Two:
Shoot for the Stars
Now that you’ve launched, it’s time to aim higher. Push your membership to new heights by remitting 100 members by October 31st. Reaching the 100-member milestone is a meaningful achievement — it reflects a community that believes in the power of PTA and is willing to invest in it. Recruit at school events, Back to School Night, and through your digital channels. Every new member is a star added to your constellation. Keep reaching!
Units that complete this challenge will be entered to win one of two $100 prizes.
Challenge Three:
Launching Futures Together
Every mission needs its navigators. Teachers guide students every single day, and when they join PTA, the whole school wins. This challenge invites your unit to achieve 100% teacher membership at your school, with all dues remitted by November 30th.
Your goal is based on the number of teachers at your school, and any staff or faculty member who joins counts toward the total. When teachers become PTA members, it strengthens the partnership between families and educators, amplifies student advocacy, and builds a school culture where everyone feels invested in student success.
Units that complete this challenge will be entered to win one of two $100 prizes.
Challenge Four:
Fueling the Mission
PTA was founded on a belief that every child deserves a champion. This February, we honor that legacy — and fuel the work ahead — by celebrating Founders’ Day with a burst of new membership.
Remit 17 or more members during the month of February to complete this challenge. Why 17? Founders’ Day is observed on February 17th, the anniversary of the founding of the National Congress of Mothers in 1897 — the organization that became the PTA we know today.
Use this month to share the story of PTA’s founding with your community. Invite neighbors, grandparents, local business owners, and community leaders to join the mission. Celebrate our legacy and fuel our mission for future generations.
Units that complete this challenge will be entered to win one of two $100 prizes.
Challenge Five:
To Infinity and Beyond Membership
This is the challenge for PTAs ready to make history. To complete this challenge, your unit must exceed your highest total membership from the past five years, with all membership remitted by March 31st.
This challenge is about your community, your growth, and your potential. Look back at where you’ve been, then dare to go further. Recruit broadly and creatively. Engage families who haven’t yet connected with PTA. Make the case that PTA membership is an investment in every child at your school. The sky is not the limit. There is no limit.
Units that complete this challenge will be entered to win one of five $100 prizes.
Challenge Six: Mission Accomplished
Five challenges. One mission. Can your PTA do it all?
Units that complete any four of the five challenges above will be entered into a special drawing at California State PTA’s Annual Convention for a chance to win one of four $250 prizes. This is our way of recognizing the PTAs that went above and beyond and stayed committed to membership growth from the very first days of school all the way through spring.
Completing four challenges means your unit didn’t just participate. It led. It persevered. It showed what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared mission.
How to 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.
Fourth District PTA Membership Perks
Fourth District PTA is grateful to have the support of the following businesses who strongly support students and families, schools and PTA units throughout Orange County. These organizations have generously offered a variety of membership perks and discounts for Fourth District PTA members.
Bob White Karate Studio
Join our BWKS community at a discounted rate. Second family member 50% off monthly dues.
All programs include unlimited group classes, offered 5 days a week.
emeals
Try FREE for 30 days. 50% off pricing after 30 days
Fountain Valley Skating Center
50% off admission and skate rentals at any Open Skating Session by presenting your PTA card at the box office or using the promotional code PTA50 on the FVSC website.
25% off a group or birthday party by using the promotional code PTA25 with the party planners or online reservations.
Host a Skate Night Fundraiser
FunEx
Register today for exclusive savings on theme parks, hotels, gyms, rental cars, sports, concerts and more!
Discounts for Wild Rivers and Aquarium of the Pacific are also available.
View the flyer for more information
Use QR Code or access code: 25-FU58H
Pretend City Children’s Museum
15% discount for up to 4 tickets. The purchase must be made online and use code 4THPTA.
Pretend City also hosts twice monthly, a Neurodivergent Family Night for families in a low stimulation environment in their museum.
Red Robin
FREE SHAKE or DESSERT
with purchase of a Burger or Entrée
One-time use only. Valid at Brea, Cypress, Foothill Ranch, Garden Grove, La Habra, Orange, Santa Ana and Tustin Red Robin® restaurants.
Sports Basement
The Basementeer program at Sports Basement is an amazing fundraising mechanism for schools and local nonprofits!
More Membership Perks
Council and unit PTAs may have their own membership perks too!
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?
No. Use whatever works to collect membership dues electronically (authorized methods only) or physically. Providing both options will capture the most members.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Membership Challenges
- 9/30/26 - Challenge One:
Blast Off to Membership Success by remitting 50 members - 10/31/26 - Challenge Two:
Shoot for the Stars by remitting 100 members - 11/30/26 - Challenge Three:
Launching Futures Together by achieving 100% teacher membership at your school - 2/28/27 - Challenge Four:
Fueling the Mission by remitting 17 or more members during the month of February - 3/31/27 - Challenge Five:
To Infinity and Beyond Membership by submitting your highest membership total in the last 5 years - Challenge Six:
Mission Accomplished:
Five challenges. One mission.
Complete four of five challenges for a chance to win one of four $250 prizes!
Complete any four of the five challenges and be entered into a special drawing at the State PTA Convention for a chance to win one of four $250 prizes.
CA State PTA Incentive and Challenges
