CT PTA President's Letter
September, 2001

It is hard to believe that summer is over and another school year has begun. 

It seems like only yesterday that I was in Baltimore attending the National PTA Convention along with 26 voting delegates from Connecticut - including a few student members. We spent our days attending workshops, visiting the exhibitor hall, networking with PTA members from across the nation, and hearing inspirational keynote speakers. But most importantly, we participated in the adoption of a new governance structure for the National PTA and the election of its officers. The National PTA also kicked off their new campaign - "every child .one voice."

At the convention we had the privilege of electing our own Linda Hodge as president-elect of the National PTA. She began her term immediately following the close of the convention. Linda most recently held the position of National PTA vice president for programs as well as serving as vice president of convention for the CT PTA. She will continue her dedication to the CT PTA as the editor of the "Bulletin". Deborah Walsh, CT PTA immediate past president, was also elected by the convention body as one of ten member representatives to serve on the National PTA Board of Directors. Deborah also sits on the Resource Development Committee. When she is not busy with the National PTA, working at her real estate job, or taking care of her family, Deborah will be reviewing the CT PTA ’s policies and procedures. I get tired just thinking of the workload that these two women carry!!!!

There are a number of things that you should keep in mind as you plan for the coming year. First, please make sure that a current Officer Information Sheet (OIS) is on file at the CT PTA office. This allows information to be sent to the current and appropriate individual - both from the CT PTA and the National PTA. The 2000-2001 Annual Resources for PTAs has been sent to our office from National PTA and will be mailed to the local unit president as soon as we have a current OIS sheet on file. This resource guide provides information to assist you in leading a well-functioning PTA. The information contained in the guide should be shared with your officers as well as your members. It includes tips on running an effective meeting, financial information, advocacy guidelines, and the Reflections program, just to name a few. This year’s edition contains a new section focusing on marketing and public relations - which will be your guide to implementing the new National PTA image campaign "every child. one voice."

As you develop your budget, don’t forget to protect your PTA, members, volunteers and officers by enrolling in the insurance program provided through the CT PTA. It is strongly recommended that you consider enrolling in the following:

1. The General Liability coverage which provides protection for your members and volunteers against lawsuits for bodily injury and property damage that may arise out of a PTA activity
2. Association Professional Liability coverage which provides coverage for your local PTA officers against errors or omissions occurring in the day-to- day management or operations of your local PTA 
3. Fidelity Bond coverage which protects the PTA ’s funds from dishonesty by replacing monies which may disappear
4. If your PTA owns or has care or control of property, you might also want to consider the Property Coverage.

As an advocacy organization, now is the time to budget for legislative activity. This would allow you to review, analyze and inform your membership about issues affecting their children - from school budgets to new construction or renovations to health issues. Plan on joining us in Hartford during the PTA Day at the Legislature in March. Leadership development is an important element for PTAs to be successful. We are already planning for our annual convention on May 10-11, 2002. Plan and budget now to send as many delegates as possible to convention. This is your opportunity to participate in the business of the CT PTA - from bylaws amendments to resolutions to elections of officers and/or region directors – as well as to participate in interesting workshops and leadership training opportunities. Remember, leadership training is a legitimate PTA expense.

Take advantage of the leadership workshops currently being offered around the state. They offer excellent training to new, as well as returning, board members as you begin your new year. Suzanna Massey, Vice President of Leadership, has been hard at work developing the information you need to have a successful year.

In an effort to reach as many of our members as possible, we are requesting email addresses for any member who would like to receive information in a timely fashion. Please forward this information to the CT PTA office at connecticut.pta@snet.net. 

In April at our Convention, you elected a dynamic group of individuals who are dedicated to both the Mission and Purposes of the PTA and in helping you to be successful. We would love to visit you in your community - to just say hello or to provide specific training to your members. Wishing you a great year and we look forward to hearing from you.

Donna McGuire
President, Connecticut PTA

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