Why Do We Need to Issue Membership Cards?

The Membership Chair has an exciting and important job – to enroll as many members as possible for PTA and each member is entitled to receive their
membership card. A membership card is required to vote at unit meetings; to attend the NYS Annual Convention and the National PTA Convention.
There are also $1,000 worth of benefits as well as e-learning courses available to PTA members at www.pta.org, but a membership card is required to access them. In addition, some units have local membership benefits that also require presentation of
their membership cards. Issuing a membership card is a requirement of your PTA, not an option. Please be sure that each member is issued a membership card.

Remember – One card – One member – One vote!

Membership Calendar

These are the tasks and responsibilities, broken down by month, that will help you carry out a successful membership drive.
June/July

Meet with the membership committee and president to establish a membership goal.
Use dates of special state PTA, National PTA, and community events to organize the local PTA’s activities.
Create or update a list of the unit’s accomplishments during the last two or three years.
Contact your state PTA for a listing of program resources and promotion items.
Prepare your membership budget for the year.
If you haven’t received your membership cards, contact your state PTA.
Create and update your PTA website.
August/September/October

Plan to attend all school functions, i.e., kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school registrations and classroom volunteer and parent orientation meetings. Have a table with information about PTA’s programs, activities, positions, advocacy efforts, and membership.
Send letters of invitation home with all students for their families to join PTA. Include an assessment survey to learn about members’ areas of interest.
Record membership and remit all dues money on a monthly basis.
Have a membership table at your first meeting. Use this opportunity to welcome everyone, encourage their involvement, and inform them of PTA programs, positions, and advocacy efforts.
Include articles in your PTA, school, and community newsletters describing activities and programs of PTA.
Remind your members to register on the National PTA members’ website. The special website address is on the back of each membership card.
Approach community organizations about possible partnerships with your PTA.
Contact area businesses about membership opportunities with your PTA.
Contact all newcomers to the community and personally invite them to join PTA.
November/December

Organize a group to make personal contacts, either by visits or phone calls, to all parents, teachers, and community members who have not joined.
Inform members of the progress toward the membership goal.
Plan volunteer recognition for your PTA.
January/February
Continue to recruit new members and reinstate “drop out” members.
Evaluate progress made so far and plan new approaches as needed.
Plan an activity for National PTA’s Founders Day (February 17).
Check National PTA’s website for back-to-school event opportunities.
March/April/May

Review and update the records of membership activity.
Update membership records for your successor. Include the following:
Financial accounting of the number of members, An outline of the year’s planning and those responsible for each activity, A roster of the membership committee complete with addresses and phone numbers. Notes of evaluation sessions and recommendations, and Other materials important to carry out the work of the committee.
Conducting Membership Campaigns
The Membership Campaign An active, creative membership campaign is a fun and effective way for current members to recruit prospective members. Developing a membership campaign not only helps create public awareness about PTA programs and activities, but also allows members to show their support for PTA by participating in membership recruitment. Through a creative campaign you can show prospective members why they should join PTA. The first step for a successful campaign is planning. A sample plan would include the following steps:

Select a chair and committee members. These members do not need to be on the membership committee.
Determine the goals and scope of the campaign. Do you have a percentage increase for a goal, i.e., 10 percent growth in membership
Decide whom you want to reach. Be sure to include diversity in your efforts. Set goals in each category.
Plan how you will reach your prospects. Include personal contact, telephone calls, newsletters and publications (PTA and non-PTA), and the Internet.
Arrange for a kick-off meeting. Establish a timeline and coordinate all campaign activities to involve the entire membership.
Coordinate your public relations activities with the membership campaign. Timing is everything! Plan ahead to publicize your campaign.
Evaluate your progress. Inform all involved in your campaign of results on a regular interval. Volunteers are motivated by results.
For more information please visit the PTA.org membership website