I am often asked why I volunteer. Why PTA? What makes you want to continue year after year? Your kids are out of school and in college, relax, enjoy life. My answer is simple: I am here for every child, not just mine. No matter where a child comes from or what her parents believe, each child has a right to a future filled with promise and an education filled with potential.

So many of us have been working hard for a long time to improve education and sometimes it gets discouraging. However, when I go into a classroom or look into the trusting eyes of a toddler, I know that we cannot stop. We have to continue to take care of our children, all of our children.

As I start my 2-year term as Oregon PTA President, I want to remember the trust that our children place in us and focus on the positive opportunities ahead. Because all of you work so hard, I want to celebrate the successes of our PTA units and our programs. And, I want other parents to see the importance of being involved in their children’s schools. I want all parents to see how the PTA gives them a place in their schools. Together we are a powerful force for those trusting eyes.

It seems to me that PTA membership is invaluable. It offers every parent a voice, a voice in your local unit, your Council, your state and your national organization. A voice that is 5 million strong nationally and 19,000 strong state wide. That voice is heard in Washington DC, when PTA joins the Military Alliance for Parents and Partners-a group of organizations working together to provide resources and advocacy support for military-connected families. That same voice is speaking in Salem to legislators to remind them that fully funding education is a priority. That voice is heard in your superintendent’s office and your school board’s meetings. Your membership makes that voice possible.

Help us build that voice by supporting the new membership campaign, “Got Kids? Join PTA” Need help building your PTA? Call us at the state office.

I look forward to meeting you as many of you as I can during my Presidency. It promises to be a wonderful two years! Join us.