WSPTA President’s Power of Connection – May 2020
As we wrap up our first virtual convention, I think about all the unknowns we are all facing in this uncertain time. In pivoting from our planned in-person convention, we had to solve problems we’d never had before. We had to think outside the box. This was new for all of us, and we asked…
Category:
Leadership
Transitions
Though the last couple of months have been a little bit of a blur, there are some things that haven’t changed. One of them is that dishes still need to get done every day—heavy sigh. Another is that the end of the PTA year is approaching and it’s time to think about leadership transition plans…
Category:
Leadership
Gift Cards, Families in Need, and Appreciation Gifts
Many PTAs have questions around gift cards – whether the cards are for appreciation, or to give out to families in need. Gift cards are a complicated topic, and the IRS has a great deal to say about their use. We’ll summarize some of the most common issues around gift cards here. Gift Cards as…
Category:
Leadership
WSPTA President’s Power of Connection – April 2020
I am inspired by Swiss Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross who said, “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” Our world has been shaken, and we are all trying to find…
Category:
Leadership
Taking Care of Business Through Virtual Meetings
*Update 3/27/20:* WSPTA and National PTA are working hard to bring you the best possible information as quickly as we have it. New information has come to us from National PTA President Leslie Boggs. “After visiting with our legal counsel and parliamentarian, here is what we learned: In common law, the cy pres doctrine [a…
Category:
Leadership
Washington State PTAs and COVID-19
Updated on March 26, 2020, to include summary of topics. Updated on March 11, 2020, adding information on Childcare and Venue Rental Agreements. This post covers the following topics: Advocating for All, Childcare, Supporting Schools, Events and Activities, Venue Rental Agreements, Virtual Meetings, Donating to Families, and Media Inquiries. Our local PTAs and PTA councils…
WSPTA President’s Power of Connection – March 2020
Despite restrictions on our ability to gather in person, I see a huge surge in our need to connect with others and lift each other up. We are all in a different place than we were when we began our PTA leadership roles. You may be reading this in a house full of children that…
Category:
Leadership
Ten Tips for Speaking with Media
The president is the designated spokesperson for the PTA. The board should refer all media contact to the president or if that is not possible, to another designated board member. Return calls and requests for comment from the media whenever possible. Even when the topic is difficult, these can be important relationships to build for…
Category:
Leadership
WSPTA President’s Power of Connection – February 2020
How can you tell if your PTA is “healthy”? One fairly easy and fun way is to apply for one or more of WSPTA’s Awards of Excellence. These are a celebration of how much impact a PTA has in their community, and recognizes PTAs for the great service and programs they provide to their members.…
Category:
Leadership
WSPTA President’s Power of Connection – January 2020
The newness of the year and decade feel like a blank page, just waiting for us to write the next chapter in the history of WSPTA. I testified on behalf of our members recently. As I stood in front of the capitol, I reflected on all those who have advocated for children and families, all…
Category:
Leadership