PTA Texas Congress

The PTA Texas Congress, a leading nonprofit organization in the state of Texas, is dedicated to empowering families and communities in order to make every child's potential a reality. It is an integral part of the broader Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) movement, which has been a champion for children and education across the United States for over a century.

History

The roots of the PTA Texas Congress trace back to the early 20th century when two pioneering women, Ella Caruthers Porter and Willa S Benton, envisioned a better future for children by engaging families in educational reform. On October 19, 1909, the Texas Congress of Mothers was formed at the State Fair in Dallas, marking the beginning of organized parental involvement in Texas's educational landscape[1][3].

In the late 1920s, the Texas Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers was established, addressing the educational needs of diverse communities. This organization played a vital role in advocating for equity and inclusion within the state's education system. In 1970, the Texas Congress of Mothers and the Texas Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers merged, creating a unified voice for all children in Texas[1][3].

Mission and Activities

The PTA Texas Congress is committed to strengthening education, promoting student achievement, and fostering inclusive community environments. It achieves these goals through various programs and initiatives that support creativity, inclusiveness, and student success. The organization empowers parents with the tools necessary to make a positive impact on their children's educational journeys[4].

Additionally, the PTA Texas Congress engages in legislative advocacy, focusing on issues that affect children and youth statewide. It adopts annual legislative positions and resolutions that guide its grassroots work, influencing policy changes that benefit Texas's educational landscape[2].

Impact and Structure

Today, the PTA Texas Congress is the second-largest state-level PTA in the nation, with nearly 500,000 members and more than 2,200 school PTAs. It operates through a network of volunteer leaders and PTAs across Texas, providing support and resources to facilitate successful community engagement and advocacy efforts[1].

Its structure includes local PTAs, councils, and a state-level board that coordinate efforts to ensure a unified voice for children's rights and educational improvements. The organization's operations are designed to be nonpartisan, nonsectarian, and noncommercial, focusing solely on supporting children and education[2].