Partnership with the PTA
The Pinellas Education Foundation is proud to partner with the PCCPTA (Pinellas County Council Parent Teacher Association) in various projects from grants to events.
Recently, we sat down with Maria Kinzer, Pinellas County Council President of the PTA, to talk about the organization, how they are partnering with us and what their current initiatives are.
Q: How did you come up with the “Not Your Momma’s” PTA logo? And what is the story behind it?
A: For the past year, I’ve been working to create a logo that really speaks to who we are. A friend once told me, “A business with no sign, is a sign with no business” and I couldn’t agree with that more. During our National PTA Convention this year the outgoing National PTA President Chuck Saylors made reference to “We Are Not Your Momma’s PTA” in conversation and I thought now that speaks volumes for us. The logo was created; “Not Your Momma’s PTA” to benefit us not only from an advocacy standpoint, but it also does us justice in telling what we’re really about. Our number one goal is children and advocating for them. The health and safety of our children is a huge part as well. I believe we need to and must get back to the basics of PTA. We need to remind people what exactly it is that we’re doing here.
Q: You’ve partnered with the Education Foundation on the Ford Grant. Why did you decide to do this?
A: When the Pinellas Education Foundation speaks, people listen so who better to partner with than someone who has a voice and shares goals along the same lines as our own? We both want what’s best for our students, and what’s best for their futures. The Pinellas Education Foundation has been a huge partner this year and we hope to continue that great partnership with this grant. PEF doesn’t just talk, they act, and that’s what we really look for in a partner.
Q: Tell me a little about how the PTA will be partnering with the Foundation at the 5k run in November. How exactly did this happen?
A: It all happened truly by accident. We’ve partnered with the Foundation before, but never anything like the way this came about. The Pinellas Education Foundation Doorways’ program is holding a 5k walk/run on November, 19th at Eagle Lake Park. Meanwhile, the PTA is holding a “PTA day in the park”, on the same day just at a different venue. We thought, what would be better than to put the two events together and make it one so we’ve changed our venue to Eagle Lake Park as well. It’s going to be a great family day.
Q: As President of the PTA, what do you enjoy most about your position? Why is that?
A: Well, I was a local unit president for two years while getting involved with the county council. I was nominated PTA County Council President 2 years ago. This will most likely be my last. Since my daughter is graduating this year, I think I’ll probably step down as president. I will always be active in, and be a part of the PTA, no matter what my title is. I honestly enjoy every aspect of my position, but if I had to pick a couple of my f
avorite aspects, they’d probably be networking, building partnerships, and the connecting with people in every walk of life. Having this position, I’ve realize that no one person can do it alone and that it’s a real pleasure to be able to work with other people striving towards the same goals you are.
Q: How can people get involved with the PTA?
A: Anyone can become a member at a local unit. We never turn anyone away. We always welcome volunteers because we always need them. Now, signing up and paying five dollars to be a member isn’t all we would like you to do. It’s greatly appreciated, but it isn’t the same as actually volunteering your time to help. That’s what really makes a difference. We don’t want our members to just pay their dues and not be involved. Our kids need us, and we need to step up and do whatever we can for them.
Maria Kinzer picks up donated school supplies from the Pinellas Education Foundation.
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