Friday Class Descriptions

Topic: Communication & Technology

Is your PTA newsletter suffering from the “blahs?” Are you publishing like mad, but finding that parents still don’t have the information they need? Does your community ask, “What newsletter?” Rev up your style and craft a newsletter that people will actually read!

Topic: Communications and Technology

Your members are trying to tell you something!  Find out how to “listen” by asking the right questions and asking them in a way that produces actionable data.  Then we’ll move into some ways to leverage technology to collect and summarize that data for you.

Topic: Finance

One of the ways that local PTAs can support their schools is by running a grant program. Whether granting money to teachers, to the school, or to the school district, we’ll show you the basics of a quality grant program. Unravel all the red tape and keep everything running smoothly!

Topic: PTA

Committee chairs are the backbone of your PTA’s programs and events, and with the right attention paid to their growth and development, they will also be the future leaders of your association! Learn to empower and educate committee chairs for success and leadership growth. Sign up for both parts of this special two-hour workshop which will address everything from recruitment to communication, reporting processes, and more!

Topic: Membership

So, you’re a membership chair! What now? We’ll walk you through the essentials of getting started. We’ll talk about developing a good job description for your PTA’s membership chair (it’s not just data entry!) We’ll take you through the basics of a good membership campaign and membership form, get you started on WSPTA’s membership database, and much more!

Topic: Advocacy

What does a strong legislative advocacy program look like at your local PTA? Learn about the role of the legislative chair, the basics of WSPTA’s legislative program, and discuss ways that your PTA can make these priorities relevant to the parents, teachers and community in your school.

Topic: PTA

You were just elected PTA president, but have no idea what you’re doing? Let us help! The role of PTA president has many moving parts and keeping up with them can be overwhelming. This class keeps it simple – “just the basics” to help brand-new presidents find their footing and gain an overview of the job and its duties.

Topic: Communications and Technology

Your PTA’s reputation is its most important asset, and the key to success in membership, fundraising, programs, and much more! Uncover the secrets behind successful branding and marketing and apply them to your PTA. Identify your target audiences, determine your PTA’s value proposition, and build awareness of your PTA brand using proven marketing and communication strategies. Don’t forget to sign up for both parts of this workshop.

Topic: PTA

Councils are the hub of PTA leader development, whether serving local PTAs or developing leaders with a broader perspective district and statewide. This class offers insight for both new and experienced council leaders. Review the fundamental mission and responsibilities of councils, as well as council relationships with local PTAs, region service delivery teams, and Washington State PTA.

Convention exhibitors provide attendees with valuable products and services, including fundraisers, school assemblies, field trip ideas, book fairs, playground equipment, school photos, and much more! As exhibitors help keep convention costs low for attendees, we know you will take time to visit their booths and thank them for their continued support.

Topic: PTA

This class is PTA 101. New to PTA? Don’t really know what it’s all about? Need someone to explain all this nonprofit lingo? Want to get a better handle on the basics? If you’re a first-time board member or part of a struggling PTA that needs to hit “refresh,” this is a great place to start!

Topic: Financial, Membership

How can PTAs build relationships with the businesses in their community? How can PTAs find local benefits for members? WSPTA Executive Director, Kathryn Hobbs, shares her expertise in this lecture! Leave ready to network and engage your local businesses to support and enhance your PTA’s mission of making a positive impact for children, families, staff, and your community.

Topic: Financial

Whether you’re a PTA treasurer for the first time, or the third time, a solid grasp of best practices in money handling and financial record-keeping will never steer you wrong! This class provides a foundation of processes and procedures that will keep your PTA on solid financial footing.

Topic: PTA

Committee chairs are the backbone of your PTA’s programs and events, and with the right attention paid to their growth and development, they will also be the future leaders of your association! Learn to empower and educate committee chairs for success and leadership growth. Sign up for both parts of this special two-hour workshop which will address everything from recruitment to communication, reporting processes, and more!

Topic: Advocacy; Leadership

Disagreement does not mean disrespect. This class offers “debate style” communication tools and principles of civil discourse for members to use in their advocacy work. Our PTA advocacy is more effective when we treat one another with respect – even when we disagree on deeply felt issues.

Topic: Finance

Successful fundraising can be a challenge! How do you choose a fundraiser? What kinds of fundraising will work best for you? What if you don’t have a lot of volunteers, or a lot of money? What can you do if your latest fundraiser was a flop? Get tips and tricks to help you make the most of your fundraising!

Topic: Communications and Technology

How do you choose the right digital tools to help your PTA run its business? How can technology ease transitions between board members and chairs? Get hands-on experience with some of the easiest and cheapest digital methods for keeping records, communicating with your members, and conducting PTA business.

Topic: Communications and Technology

Your PTA’s reputation is its most important asset, and the key to success in membership, fundraising, programs, and much more! Uncover the secrets behind successful branding and marketing and apply them to your PTA. Identify your target audiences, determine your PTA’s value proposition, and build awareness of your PTA brand using proven marketing and communication strategies. Don’t forget to sign up for both parts of this workshop.

Topic: Family and Community Engagement

PTAs and school principals need to build successful partnerships to reach their common goal: success for every child. Learn valuable techniques for communicating and understanding the perspective of each partner in this important relationship, and discuss how to make the most of this relationship!

Topic: Exhibitors

Convention exhibitors provide attendees with valuable products and services, including fundraisers, school assemblies, field trip ideas, book fairs, playground equipment, school photos, and much more! As exhibitors help keep convention costs low for attendees, we know you will take time to visit their booths and thank them for their continued support.