
Message from Debbie (our PTA President)
With every New Year, commitments are renewed and resolutions are made with anticipation for change. Now is a good time to review the mission and vision of PTA and recommit your PTA and members to working together as a powerful voice for children. What IS your PTA’s vision for the children of your community and school? Is your PTA a powerful voice for your children? Is your PTA a relevant resource for your school’s families? Does your PTA advocate for the education and well-being of every child in your community?
This is the time of the year when PTAs begin the nominating process, seeking the best qualified members to lead the PTA. We know from experience that a PTA can rise or fall on its leadership. We know that leadership matters, but what is leadership? A simple definition of leadership is “the act of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal.”
What makes a good leader? Good leaders are not born, they need to be trained and cultivated. PTAs need leaders who understand their roles and who are willing to work together in a common direction. PTAs must have leaders who have a thorough knowledge of and support for the mission and vision of PTA. When PTA members participate regularly in “professional” development, they are better prepared to address the ever-changing needs of the PTA, thereby providing strong leadership.
As a leader of your PTA, resources and tools are provided to be the best leader that can be. Taking advantage of additional opportunities provided by Ohio and National PTA (Leadership Conferences, Advocacy Events, and Conventions) help to discover and hone leadership skills.
Please join us April 2010 for the 104th Annual Ohio PTA Convention. This is a great opportunity for you to introduce others to PTA. Remember you are ensuring the future of your PTA by making an investment into the leadership development of your members.
Always remember that together we can be a powerful voice for children, as we continue to work toward PTA’s vision of making every child’s potential a reality.
My best to you. . .
Debbie Tidwell
Ohio PTA President 2009 - 2011