PTA and Scouting

As one who has considerable experience in both schools and Scouting, I'd
like to be a resource here with some information.

There was an assertion that the PTA is actually an arm of the teacher's
union. Having been around both for many years, I've seen them have some
common goals, but not at all one being an arm of the other. Is the AAA an
arm of the auto workers union? PTA's I've known are quite independent.
Officers are elected by the group and are almost always parents not
teachers. PTAs often complain that union teachers are protected too much
(no discussion of the merit of that here, please)

There was also an assertion that all people needed to do was to find a
school superintendent with enough strength to tell PTA groups that "you
_will_ sponsor scout units" Again, the PTA is independent. Many school
administrators wish they had such power over PTA groups, but they don't.
Think of the number of times that PTA appears in front of a school board to
oppose transfer of students because of needed boundary changes due to
growth. Think of the number of times PTA's wish to influence the assignment
of teachers or administrators to or away from a certain school. Nope, PTAs
would not take orders from a school superintendent.

One person in politics advised me that "It is much easier to elect your
friends than convince your enemies" If your charter group is reluctant,
find one that understands the Scouting Movement and supports it completely.
That will help your Troop or Pack be the best it can be for the Scouts.

YiS
Berk Moss Pioneer District Advancement Committee
Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 427 Cascade-Pacific Council
Multnomah Village, Portland Oregon O/A Brotherhood
e mail: mossfam@teleport.com Bear Patrol Woodbadge WEM 492-1-94

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