This document outlines the Wisconsin PTA Code of Ethics, which establishes guidelines for PTA volunteers. It states that volunteers should: 1. Keep confidential matters confidential. 2. Understand that as volunteers they are still expected to perform their work to the same standards as paid staff. 3. Approach their work with an open mind and be willing to be trained, while bringing interest and attention to their role. It emphasizes professionalism and accountability from volunteers, including fulfilling commitments and ensuring agreements are clear to avoid misunderstandings. The code helps ensure PTA volunteers uphold core values of confidentiality, standards, training, and commitment to their roles.

1. Wisconsin PTA Code of Ethics
As a PTA volunteer, I realize that I am subject to a code of ethics similar to that which binds the
professional in the field in which I work. Like them, I assume certain responsibilities and expect to
account for what I do in terms of what I am expected to do:
1. I will keep confidential matters confidential.
2.I interpret "volunteer" to mean that I have agreed to work without compensation in money,
but having been accepted as a worker, I expect to do my work according to standards, as the
paid staff expect to do their work.
3.I promise to take to my work an attitude of open-mindedness; to be willing to be
trained for it; to bring to it interest and attention.
4.I realize that I may have assets that my co-workers may not have and that I shall use these
to enrich the project at which we are working together.
5.I realize also that I may lack assets that my co-workers have, but I will not let this
make me feel inadequate but endeavor to assist in developing teamwork.
6.I plan to find out how I can best serve the activity for which I have volunteered, and to offer
as much as I am sure I can give, but no more.
7.I realize that I must live up to my promise and therefore, will be careful that my
agreement is so simple and clear that it cannot be misunderstood.
8.I believe that my attitude toward volunteer work should be professional. I believe that I have
an obligation to my work, to those who direct it, to my colleagues, to those whom it is done,
and to the public. ~Author Unknown~1993 / Visit Wisconsinpta.org

2. Does the action advance PTA’s mission
and purposes
?

3. PTA Mission
– A powerful voice for all children,
– A relevant resource for families and communities, and
– A strong advocate for the education and well-being of
every child.
“To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and
empowering families and communities to advocate for all
children.”

4. PTA Purposes
• Promote the welfare of children and youth in home,
school, community and place of worship.
• Raise the standards of home life.
• Secure adequate laws for the care and protection of
children and youth.
• Bring into closer relation the home and the school, that
parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the
education of children and youth.
• Develop between educators and the general public such
united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the
highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and
spiritual education.

5. PTA Values
What We Stand For

6. PTA Values
Collaboration
We will work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and
organizations to broaden and enhance our ability to serve and
advocate for all children and families.
Commitment
We are dedicated to children’s educational success, health, and well-
being through strong family and community engagement, while
remaining accountable to the principles upon which our association
was founded.
Respect
We value the individual contributions of members, employees,
volunteers, and partners as we work collaboratively to achieve our
association’s goals.

7. Diversity
We acknowledge the potential of everyone without regard,
including but not limited to: age, culture, economic status,
educational background, ethnicity, gender, geographic location,
legal status, marital status, mental ability, national origin,
organizational position, parental status, physical ability, political
philosophy, race, religion, sexual orientation, and work
experience.
Accountability
All members, employees, volunteers, and partners have a shared
responsibility to align their efforts toward the achievement of
our association’s strategic initiatives.
PTA Values

8. PTA Case Studies
Participant Activity

9. 1. For each case, ask the following questions:
a) What are the pros and cons of this decision?
b) How would I rationalize this choice? How would
others rationalize this choice?
1. For each case, apply the “Triple Test." Ask yourself:
a) Is it legal?
b) Does It follow PTA's policies?
c) Does it advance PTA's mission and purposes?
PTA Case Studies

10. Remember
“Always do the right thing. This
will gratify some people and
astonish the rest.”
Mark Twain
American Author & Humorist

11. Questions?

12. (800) 307-4PTA (4782)
info@pta.org
PTA.org
For a copy of this presentation, visit
http://pta.org/1949.htm