One of the primary roles of the PTA is to build strong relationships among teachers, staff, students and the community at large. Relationships are built through communications. PTAs manage newsletters, events and meetings to promote communications. For example, meetings may feature a local speaker from the community to present educational opportunities such as volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. A feature speaker may also be an educational expert discussing new trends and methods in education such as technology in the classroom or career development opportunities.
PTAs help raise much-needed money by organizing and managing various fundraisers throughout the year. Depending on the needs of the local school and/or district, the money raised by the PTA is used to promote educational opportunities. The money generated by these fundraisers may be used to buy computers, sports or school uniforms, musical instruments for the band and other classroom supplies and materials or to bring in cultural events such as performing artists.
Social events provide an environment in which to promote learning. For example, award ceremonies celebrate academic and athletic achievements within an enjoyable social structure. Family game night, seasonal festivals and cultural festivals are all examples of educational social events that are made possible by local PTAs. The purpose of such social events is to involve more students and their families in the overall school environment. Social events promote learning by teaching students and others to work together in teams to meet shared goals.
Competitions in math, science, history, language arts and performing arts all help increase learning and proficiency. PTAs organize, promote and host such events. PTAs also organize students and serve as chaperones for academic or athletic teams' travel for such competitions. Without the aid of PTAs in this endeavor, many schools could not participate.
PTAs are involved in helping to choose the direct academic curriculum and textbooks. Parent input is essential in such decisions and the PTA serves as the liaison between parents and the administration.
The national PTA is active in lobbying activities to influence political decisions regarding important concerns regarding education. For example, the No Child Left Behind Act was influenced by the lobbying activities of PTAs. On the local level, PTAs lobby state legislatures to influence decisions about how money will be allocated and spent for education, among other important issues.