I added a new title to my multi-hyphenated business card this past April: President of the Volusia County Council PTA. Most folks have heard of the Parent Teacher Association or PTA, but I’m realizing that few people know the true mission of the organization and so I want to dedicate my conversation this month to my love of public schools and supporting our students!
THE HISTORY OF PTA: MORE THAN A FUNDRAISER
Despite the negative portrayal in movies and TV shows, the early versions of what would be called National PTA started in 1897 by two women, Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, before women had the right to vote and while activism was not popular. These women gathered over 2,000 parents, teachers, laborers, and legislators to form a “Congress of Mothers in Washington, D.C.” to support their children by championing safer schools.
Flash forward to 1970, the National Congress of Parents and Teachers and the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers, founded by Selena Sloan Butler, merged to form one, larger advocacy organization that would work together for children, family, and community education.
THE MISSION OF PTA: ADVOCACY FIRST
The National PTA has established programs and pushed for legislation that created kindergarten classes and expanded hot and healthy lunch programs. Here in our state, Florida PTA lobbied legislators to protect recess minutes in elementary schools. And in Volusia, through both the PTA at my kids’ school and having a previous seat on the County PTA, I was able to join my voice with others in my Midtown, Daytona Beach neighborhood to ask for a new community school that would rezone students back “home.” No amount of bake sales made this happen, it was our collective one voice for every student.
Many PTAs are known for their fundraising efforts and programs and, while those are great ways to enrich our schools when budget shortfalls abound, money and fun are not the mission. The mission of PTA today is “to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.” Our PTAs have been working in and with the school district to make sure every student, no matter the zip code, has opportunities to learn and feel safe.
PTA’S ROLE IN SHAPING EDUCATION POLICY
In my new role as the County Council PTA President, I am excited to support our schools and local PTA units. I am also happy to continue my advocacy work with school district employees and local elected leaders. Lastly, I have a new window of opportunity to work with state PTA leaders and legislators. But the best part is that anyone can be involved: parent, guardian, community-member, business owner. Our students deserve the best and I hope you will join me in supporting an advocacy group that is working to make this happen!
Lives in Daytona Beach with her husband, three daughters, two housemates, and a “doug” (dachshund- pug mix dog). She loves exploring and promoting the food, shops and events that Daytona has to offer. You can follow her local adventures at @CassGoAroundDaytona on Instagram.
Have a story idea for Cassie? Reach out to her directly at Cassie@ECCToldMe.com — she’d love to hear from you
