About Us
Washington State PTA is a nonprofit membership association that advocates on behalf of all children. We are a powerful voice and a relevant resource for families and communities.
When you join your local PTA or PTSA, you become part of our state association and the larger National PTA. Your voice joins tens of thousands across Washington and millions across the United States, and your vision continues one started in 1897 when thousands of moms (and some dads) converged on Washington, D.C., to convene the National Congress of Mothers.
That vision? Kids need care.
PTA helps those closest to children speak up strongly on their behalf, and PTA gives members the tools they need to deliver services.
- Washington State PTA coined the term “preschool” and mentored parents of toddlers long before early childhood education was accepted and expected.
- Before public funding for well-child exams came through, PTAs hosted back to school “round-ups” with medical volunteers.
- When moms went to work during World War II, Washington PTAs arranged day care.
- When local levies failed in in the 1950s and kindergartens went unfunded, Washington State PTAs first organized kindergarten “co-ops,” then worked to secure state funding.
Some issues, like school funding and revenue reform, have been with us for decades. Others, like seat belt laws, got checked off the list long ago. But all of them started with someone wondering how to help, and mentors nearby to show them the way.
Our story in video
Washington State PTA specifics - Founded: 1905, to bring together the home, school and community on behalf of all children and youth.
- Welcomed: All people without regard to differences in race, culture, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, gender, abilities, special needs or geographic location.
- Governed by: A board of directors consisting of four statewide officers, 13 region directors, a leadership director, a program director, membership director, legislative director and an outreach director. The board governs the affairs of the state association and provides leadership training and education to local PTAs and councils.
- Chartered by and affiliated with: National PTA
- Our founding president: Abby Williams Hill, an accomplished artist who traveled the West painting for the railroads, with children in tow. (She home-schooled.)
- Good to know: PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association; PTSA stands for Parent Teacher Student Association, both fall under the umbrella of National PTA.
National PTA
The National PTA, founded in 1897, is the nation's oldest child advocacy organization. It is comprised of nearly 6 million members in PTA units throughout the United States and Europe. Visit the Website.