WHAT DOES A PTA DELEGATE DO?

Delegates are the most important communication link between the local PTA unit and the PTA Council.

Each local PTA unit has three (3) representatives at each General Membership Meeting.
They are:
• The PTA President
• Two Council delegates

Delegates are elected according to the local unit’s bylaws. They should be voting members of their local PTA Board of Directors.

Delegates vote as directed by their local PTA unless authorized to use their own judgment. It is preferable for delegates to ascertain local opinion prior to voting. However, when time does not permit for consultation, delegates must vote their conscience utilizing their own experience and good judgment.

Each delegate may cast only one vote. If a delegate represents more than one local PTA, the delegate cannot be expected to vote in accordance with each of those PTA’s wishes. Therefore, locals should attempt to fill the delegate position with someone who does not hold a delegate’s position on another local PTA Board of Directors to assure local representation.

1. Be familiar with bylaws, policies, and procedures at all PTA levels.

2. Attend every meeting of the PTACHC or send an alternate. (Each PTA has 2 delegates)

3. Take notes at Council meetings (Delegates reporting forms are available at each Council meeting.) and give a report at your next local PTA meeting. Verify that the delegate’s report is included on your agenda.

4. Bring to Council meetings any concerns or action items from the local unit, which the delegate is directed to introduce

5. Initiate discussion, gather information, and encourage local PTA unit action regarding Council agenda items when necessary.

6. Bring to the attention of the Council any projects and programs the local PTA unit is involved in and wishes to share with other locals.

7. Become acquainted with delegates from other PTAs.

8. Volunteer to serve on a Council Committee or represent the Council on an HCPSS Advisory Committee, and/or act as a liaison to a community group that has requested PTACHC representation.

9. Help to find qualified and willing people for Council officers and chair positions by providing names of local members with leadership qualities.

10. Conduct one Board Watch, either by attending a Board meeting (preferable), or by watching it live on cable TV (Comcast95/ Verizon42) or via the internet on http://hcpsstv.com and report on the meeting

11. PTA newsletters should develop their readers’ understanding of important school system issues.