PTA, as you know, stands for Parent Teacher Association - but it stands for much more it stands for common aims shared by millions of Americans. The magnet that draws all these men and women together is their caring and concern for children and youth. It stands for responsible citizens who choose to invest energy and effort in securing the future of our country and our world - for children are the future.

Before I call the new officers forward, let us thank your outgoing officers for serving the PTA during the past year. (Read officers names and positions.)

Now I would like the new officers to come forward: (Read officers names and positions.)

(To Membership): You, the membership, have elected these officers and have charged them with a great responsibility. In doing so, you have pledged them your loyalty and willingness to help them. It is through cooperation and working together that the goals of PTA are achieved.

(To Officers): To you, the officers, by accepting these responsible positions you have signified your willingness to accept the challenge that is before you. We know that you will carry forth your plans with dignity, wisdom, and courage.

I would like to present to each of you a token as a reminder of the duties that are before you:

To you the president, I give this gavel to call your meetings to order, so that you may guide and coordinate the work of the officers, committees and members of the ____________________ PTA.

To each of the vice presidents, I give a piece of chain, to always remind you that your office is a direct link in the chain of command to that of the president and to always be ready to assist him/her - to step into his/her place if he/she is unable to be there himself/ herself.

To the recording secretary, here is a pen to record the minutes of all meetings of the association.

To the corresponding secretary,

Paper and envelopes tied very tight

With a ribbon of red that is bright

Your letters, too

Should be a bright hue

Each word like a sparkling light

To the treasurer (play money), don't try to spend this, but keep it as a reminder that you are the custodian of all of the funds of this association.

To the historian, (folder) I give you this folder so that you will have a place to store all the information for your report at the end of next year.

To the council delegates (if the position of council delegate is an elected officer position), I have nothing but advice, and that is to always be mindful that yours is a very important position - for you are the link between this unit and all the other units in the council. Know PTA policy, attend all executive board, general, and council meetings.

Remember - a council is a group of PTA’s that have the power to solve community wide problems.

I now ask you all - will you uphold the Purposes of the PTA. which are: (Read Purposes)

Signify by saying: Yes, I will.

I acknowledge your intention to serve faithfully and to the best of your ability. It is with much pleasure that I declare you duly installed officers of the ___________________ PTA, a local unit of the Virginia State Congress of Parents and Teachers and of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers.