I am close to this very decision as my youngest son will be a senior next year. To help me answer this question, I spoke to several current "life time members" and asked them why they chose to stay involved.

My first interview was with a long-time math teacher at Redmond High School. He and his wife, who is also a teacher, have renewed their memberships in a number of PTSAs as long as they have been established teachers in Lake Washington School District. Sandy Hargraves told me, "This is my 40th year in the classroom. I think I have been a PTSA member for most of those years except when I taught overseas. Probably 34 of those years we (my wife and I) belonged to the local PTA or PTSA. If I wasn't a member of RHS PTSA then my wife was, and I was the PTSA member at our children's schools. One year our children were in 3 different schools, so we had 4 memberships between us. For the past 6 years we have been members at two different high schools."

The next person I spoke with was Victoria Findley, one of our amazing school nurses. For 28 years, Victoria has been a member of those PTSAs where her children went to school and where she has worked. She has also been a local, district, regional and state leader of this organization. So, I asked Victoria what the most important reason was for her to be a member. Victoria told me, "The most important reason for continued membership in this organization is to support the mission & vision of PTA for the children. I value the volunteer spirit, camaraderie and resourcefulness exhibited in the many local units working toward common goals.... Participation in PTSA grows lifelong friendships and meaningful relationships."

One of my mentors and a long-time PTA leader is Wendy DeLong. She has been a member of a PTA for "29 complete years, 10 [years] since my youngest graduated from high school." She explained to me why she became a member and what it means to her, "Initially, like most parents, joining PTA and volunteering was a way to be involved in my child's education and school. A bonus for me was the opportunity to meet other parents. With my husband's career in the Coast Guard, it was important for me to get connected to the communities where we lived in order to discover the best opportunities for my boys."

Wendy DeLong summarized her reasons for being in PTA. She believes that, "the mission of PTA is universal." PTA is about "caring about children and ensuring their welfare" and this benefits everyone in the community. And it is an "obligation of all generations to be responsible for the education and welfare of children and does not end when one's youngest receives a high school diploma." Sandy Hargraves echoed this thought when he said, "It really does take a community to raise a child. PTSA is a great educational alliance."

After hearing what other long-time members have had to say about staying connected, I realized that this is what I want to do, too. Since most PTA's don't often actively pursue alumni members, it will most likely be up to me to make sure I become a member in the future. I can also become a "Friend of the PTA" through Washington State PTA by calling their main office. I like the idea of supporting my community by being a life-time member - even after my son has "left the building."

Regards,