Three levels of geographical organization are part of California PTA:
Units – The familiar local PTA at your child’s school is called a “unit.” Organized and chartered according to rules and regulations outlined in California State PTA bylaws, units are self-governing organizations for the purpose of planning programs and activities to meet local community needs. However, they are required to observe policies of California State PTA and National PTA. Find out more about your school’s local PTA unit.
Councils – Councils are groups of member units that come together for conferences, leadership trainings and other coordinated area efforts.
Districts — District PTAs are large geographical divisions of California State PTA, established to carry out programs and coordinate the work of the councils and units.
Operates as a self-governing body
Plans programs and activities to meet community needs
Works at the school site, at home and in the community for all children and youth
Represented on the council board by the unit president or other designated representatives
Required to observe policies of the State and National PTA
First District PTA was the “first” PTA district established by the California State PTA in 1912. The PTA district is a large geographic area stretching across the foothill regions of the greater San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County. First District provides support, leadership, and communication services to 270 plus school PTAs and 22 local councils which collectively represent a membership of greater than 80,000 parents, teachers, students and community leaders “…serving children from Burbank to Pomona”.
First District is comprised of a diverse and inclusive demographic with families from varied ethnic backgrounds and cultures.
Our parents and PTA leaders are also diverse in language, skill, profession, training andtalent. Each lends their time and expertise to empower others to advocate for the education, health, safety, and welfare of all children.
Includes all PTA members in good standing with the District
Promotes work of State and National PTA
Responsible for the formation of new units and councils
Unifies and strengthens units and councils
Channels information between the State PTA and units and councils
Provides conferences, workshops, programs and leadership training
Provides publications
Represented on the State Board of Managers by the District President
Includes all units within the City of Glendale
Serves as a conference body
Provides workshops, leadership training and programs
Assists in the organization of new units
Provides counseling for local units
Coordinates programs and projects of member units
Represented on the First District Executive Board by Council President and/or other designated representatives
A branch of the National PTA; liaison with National PTA
Includes all PTA members in good standing within the State PTA
Cooperates with other groups and organizations working for youth
Maintains legislative advocates; supports and works for legislation on statewide issues
that affect the education, health and well-being of children and youth
Holds annual convention
Interprets and implements policies, programs and projects
Provides services, materials and publications
Represented on the National PTA Board by the State President
Includes all who join local PTAs Advocates nationally and internationally
for children and youth
Develops and funds projects which are national in scope
Maintains legislative advocates at the federal level
Provides field services and leadership training
Provides publications