A letter from your NEW Virginia PTA President
Melissa Nehrbass

I would like to say a tremendous thank you to the membership for giving me this opportunity to serve.  I look forward to the challenge and the opportunity to work for the next two years with Morgan Bell, Debi Abadie, Phyllis Ayers and Tricia Rudolph; all the Board of Managers; our 1,200-plus local units, and our awesome office staff. 

As your president, I ask each of you to look at your PTA and find an opportunity to make a difference.  As an organization, it is often hard to find leaders, workers and volunteers.  We live in a somewhat more self-centered world where everyone's time is more limited.  

We often are forced to choose between what is important and what is more important. When people are asked to help, or to be part of an organization, they wonder, "What's in it for me?  How will this impact me or my family directly?"  It is hard, sometimes, to look at a big picture and see how making a difference for someone else's child ultimately impacts all children, including your own.

My husband and I love sailing.  When we are out on our boat and another passes near us, no matter how small or large or how slow or fast it is going, it causes a stir in the water, a wave that rocks our boat.  Have you ever seen how even a single small drop of water causes a ripple that can spread as far as you can see?  Being involved can cause the same kind of ripple effect.  One action leads to another, to another, to another. 

Working to improve the health, welfare and education of children will make the world a better place for us all.  A well-educated workforce means a healthy, productive economy.  Children growing up as good citizens mean a safe, productive society.  When we choose to make a difference, to be that drop on the water, what a difference we can make. 

Each of you can be the difference, one small drop at a time. 

At the National PTA convention in St Louis last summer, our president, Jan Harp Domene, challenged each state to increase its membership. To accomplish this in Virginia, I am challenging each PTA unit in Virginia to make a difference and increase your 2006-07 membership by eight members in '08. 

I know most of you have had your major membership push for the year,  but now I am challenging you to look for a way to make a difference and increase your membership over last year. Eight new members for 2008.  Just think: one or more of those eight can be the spark to totally revitalize your PTA.

Remember, even one can make a difference.

Melissa S. Nehrbass
Virginia PTA President