Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Student Leadership in Your PTA
Ready to bring student voices into your PTA? Follow this step-by-step roadmap.
Step 1: Lay the Groundwork (Spring / Early Summer)
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Update Bylaws (if necessary): If changing your unit name (e.g., to PTSA) or establishing different membership dues for students (e.g., $10 student / $15 parent), amend your bylaws. Note: Any PTA can have student leaders even without changing its name!
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Set Standing Rules & Application Process: Create simple application forms and interview processes to match students with the right positions based on interest.
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Ensure Direct Interest: Make sure the student is reaching out because they want the position, not just their parents!
Step 2: Onboarding & Installation (Beginning of School Year)
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Formal Installation: Invite student leaders to your board installation ceremony and treat them as full team members.
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Set Team Norms: Establish meeting rules that encourage equal participation and ensure students feel comfortable speaking up.
Step 3: Visibility & Campus Engagement
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Campus Outreach Tables: Host weekly or monthly outreach tables during lunch with interactive games and PTA/PTSA giveaways.
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Support Activities on Campus: Sponsor clubs or activities – anything that allows you the opportunity to have “PTA/PTSA sponsored this” or the chance to present an award or check. Visibility on campus is key.
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Club Rush & Yearbook: Participate in campus Club Rush events, partner with existing student clubs, and include a PTA/PTSA photo in the yearbook.
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Member Appreciation: Host Student Member Appreciation Days (e.g., donut mornings).
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Social Media: Be more active and relevant on social media. Like and follow the on campus student groups and ask that they follow you back.