Over 120 Years Strong
For more than 120 years, National Parent Teacher Association (National PTA®) has worked toward bettering the lives of every child in education, health and safety. Founded in 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, National PTA is a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.
Legacy
Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst founded the organization when women did not have the right to vote and social activism was not popular. However, they believed mothers would support their mission to eliminate threats that endangered children, and in early 1897, they started a nationwide campaign.
On Feb., 17, 1897, more than 2,000 people—mostly mothers, but also fathers, teachers, laborers and legislators—attended the first convocation of the National Congress of Mothers in Washington, D.C. Twenty years later, 37 chartered state congresses existed.
In 1970, the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (National PTA) and the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers (NCCPT)—founded by Selena Sloan Butler in Atlanta, Ga.—merged to serve all children.
As the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the nation, National PTA is the conscience of the country for children and youth issues. Through advocacy, as well as family and community education, National PTA has established programs and called for legislation that improves our children’s lives, such as:
- Creation of Kindergarten classes
- Child labor laws
- Public health service
- Hot and healthy lunch programs
- Juvenile justice system
- Mandatory immunization
- Arts in Education
- School Safety
Looking Forward
PTA is advocating for our children today. We are working for a fully-funded, quality education system; zero-tolerance of bullying and violence in schools; updated school nutritional standards; internet safety; quality after-school programs; better access to and preparation for college; and training in cultural competence skills.
Did You Know
PTA, with 5 million members, is the largest organization in the world dedicated to helping and advocating on behalf of children. PTA is a grassroots organization that takes a stand on issues coming from its membership. EVERY officer in the PTA is a volunteer. PTA annual dues are minimal. PTA strives to be accessible to all! PTA works in cooperation with many national education, health, safety, child advocacy groups and federal agencies. Through this collaboration, PTA has fought for and won policies which include: kindergarten classes, child labor laws, public health service, hot lunch programs in schools, juvenile justice system, and mandatory school immunizations.