Leadership News, June 27, 2024

Don’t Forget – Reconcile your Memberplanet Deposits!

Each PTA should routinely review its finances to ensure everything is in order. With the fiscal year ending this weekend, it’s more important than ever to download your financial reports from memberplanet and double-check for accuracy. Please note that we’ve seen a rash of PTAs that have experienced problems related to missing deposits from Memberplanet. PTAs will retain access to their memberplanet accounts through July and can dispute any issues through then, but please leave this task until later. Watch this video to learn how to reconcile deposits.

Adopted Amendments to WSPTA Bylaws - Effective July 1

At the 2024 Convention and Annual Meeting in May, delegates voted on twelve amendments to our WSPTA Uniform Bylaws. These changes take effect on July 1, 2024. The Washington State PTA Uniform Bylaws are the rules adopted by our members to provide a framework for the operation of local PTAs, councils and WSPTA.

A special resource called Adopted Amendments to the WSPTA Uniform Bylaws was created as a service to local PTAs and councils as they prepare for the upcoming year. This resource lays out in detail each bylaws amendment, the rationale for the change and whether the amendment will have a direct effect on local PTAs and councils. If you have any questions, please reach out to your council or region director for help.

Some bylaws amendments included an update to WSPTA Policy, which were adopted by the WSPTA Board of Directors. To better inform local PTAs and councils, these policy updates can be found in the Adopted Amendments to the WSPTA Uniform Bylaws resource as well as in the updated WSPTA Policy Manual found on our website under the Governance heading.

Of particular interest to local and council leaders is Section Three: Local PTAs and Councils. This section of the WSPTA Policy Manual should be used as a resource by all PTAs in developing their own policies and procedures that align with the requirements to run an effective PTA. 

2024-25 Swank Movie License Now Available

Washington State PTA is excited to continue our partnership with Swank Movie Licensing USA to bring movie licensing to WSPTA member schools at significant savings. Movie licenses are an excellent option for a PTA eager to fundraise and support its school.

The enrollment period for 2024-25 licenses is now open! The deadline to get the WSPTA rate is September 1, 2024. The 2023-24 WSPTA Group license will cover your school from 9/1/24 through 8/31/25. The cost of the license remains the same as last year: $450 per school. Be sure to opt in today. 

Click here to learn more about this year’s license, including a special add-on that can make movie nights even easier.

Communication Changes

We asked, you answered, and we are changing. In a recent survey we sent to you and other PTA leaders in Washington, you told us that we should pare down our communication channels. Starting July 3, we will send Leadership News every other Thursday. We will no longer be sending a separate Council Connection and Membership Made Easy newsletter. Instead, look for council and membership focused articles in Leadership News.

We will be "retiring" our region-specific Facebook pages this summer, and asking members to follow our main page at https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonStatePTA. There you will find updates on state-level activities as well as what is happening in your region. Don't miss a beat - like our Facebook page today!

Also, this summer, we will debut a closed Facebook group for local and council PTA leaders in Washington. There our volunteers will be able to support each other in their work and have access to experienced leaders from across the state. Look for your invitation to arrive in July.

Get Ready for Givebacks!

As a reminder, WSPTA is changing membership databases effective July 1. Memberplanet will be phased out and Givebacks will become our new member management system.

By now, all local and council PTAs should have received early access to their new Givebacks accounts. Please reach out to support@wastatepta.org if your PTA has not.  

You can schedule a one-on-one meeting with Givebacks staff to help get your PTA's account setup, including setting up an online join for next year and building out a fundraising page for your PTA. When asked for an email address, please use the one we have on file in our officer reports.

Finally - and this is very important - it is vital to complete your PTA's business in Memberplanet by the end of the month. This includes:  

Tip of the Week
Changing Account Signers

After July 1, PTAs with new officers may need to change signers to PTA bank accounts. If you need to update your signers with your bank, you will need to file either the annual report (or the Amended Annual report if it is more than 180 days before your annual renewal expires) with the Secretary of State’s office. These forms will update your officers listed on their website, which is what many banks use to verify your signers.

To file an annual report or amended annual report, please go to the Secretary of State Corporation Division website. If you have not already, sign up for a user account to file online, conduct searches, and receive status updates. Proceed to Business Maintenance Filings to file either the Annual Report or the Amended Annual Report.

If you still have questions or need assistance, please contact Tatia Vasbinder tvasbinder@wastatepta.org.

We’re inviting all WSPTA members, their families, and friends to come out and enjoy a fun-filled day at the ballpark. PTA Day at the Park is a benefit for WSPTA members, and this is not a fundraising event. This year’s date is a high-demand game against the San Francisco Giants so buy your tickets soon!

NATIONAL PTA NEWS

Enrollment in National PTA’s 2024-2025 School of Excellence program is now open! 

School of Excellence participants make a year-long commitment to identify and implement an action plan for school improvement based on PTA's National Standards for Family-School Partnerships.

Read stories from past participants and learn more about enrolling in the School of Excellence program.

Encourage Wellness Wherever You Are This Summer! 

Take the time to talk about physical and mental health with your families this summer and prioritize taking steps to move closer to leading healthy lives. Learn how about the National PTA's Healthy Lifestyles initiatives.

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars 

July 4Office Closed for Independence Day
August 23-24August Leadership Launch
August 25PTA Day at the Park
September 2Office Closed for Labor Day

Links to Bookmark

Sponsored By

Leadership News
June 27, 2024

Washington State PTA
15 Oregon Avenue, Suite 202
Tacoma WA 98409
253-214-7410

support@wastatepta.org 

The deadline to submit articles for the July 3 Leadership newsletter is Sunday, June 30. Send submissions to commplan@wastatepta.org. 

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