see calendar section for specific dates of workshop & sharing sessions

WHY SEND DELEGATES TO CONFERENCES

The question comes up regularly, "Why should a local PTA budget money to send delegates to Conventions and leaders to Summer Conference?"

PTA leadership is a continuous learning process. Times change, and through these changes we make progress. We must be willing to accept the challenge of change and to learn how to really "promote the welfare of children."

Each local PTA deserves the best leadership possible. In order to be trained and informed, we need to participate fully in the opportunities offered by the Maryland PTA and the National PTA. We may be volunteers, but we can be professional in our approach to our responsibilities. Continuing education and energizing are part of our "professionalism." We make use of all the available resources that will sake our jobs easier.

Each PTA member pays dues to belong to an organization that is relevant to all levels —— local, state and national. Each member, therefore, has the responsibility to participate in how the organization operates. It is a two-way street in which you give and receive. Whether you give time, talent, or financial support (or all three), you owe the organization as much as it owes you.

Each PTA sets its own goals for the year. Each unit is unique and must concern itself with its own community —— but don’ t build a fence around yourself! You should be aware of the strength your PTA has as part of the largest volunteer organization in the country. Your one voice united with other voices becomes a stronger, firmer voice as you speak out for quality education and for children.

At the Maryland PTA Convention YOU have the opportunity to meet and elect state PTA officers. YOU have the opportunity to vote on Convent ion business such as resolutions and bylaws. YOU listen to experts speak on issues of PTA concern. YOU have choices of topics that you can take back to your local for attention and action. YOU have the chance to meet others from all parts of Maryland who share your interest in the goals and objects of PTA.

Summer Conference focuses on leadership skills and tasks. You can make PTA jobs easier by finding out how others do their jobs. You learn about what is happening in other PTAs and schools and build networks with other PTA leaders.

Send someone who is willing to give his or her time in order to learn and who will share the knowledge he/she has acquired. Send someone who will speak for your unit so that you are represented. As you listen to the report of the delegate you will get a better understanding of the extensive work of the PTA.

Include funds in your budget for attendance at Convention and Summer Conference so that your local is part of the continuous learning process. Listen to the reports and share with your members all of the knowledge and enthusiasm generated at the meetings.

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