National PTA Founders’ Day

National PTA Founders’ Day is a commemorative observance observed on February 17. In 2026, it falls on February 17. The day marks the anniversary of the first meeting of the National Congress of Mothers in 1897. This organization eventually became the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), the largest volunteer child advocacy association in the United States, dedicated to the education, health, and safety of all children.

History of National PTA Founders’ Day

The history of the PTA began on February 17, 1897, in Washington, D.C., when Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst convened the first National Congress of Mothers. Despite a time when women did not have the right to vote, more than 2,000 people attended the initial meeting to discuss the welfare of children. In 1926, Selena Sloan Butler founded the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers to advocate for children in segregated communities. These two organizations officially merged in 1970 to form the modern National PTA.

The founders were driven by a mission to eliminate threats to children’s well-being and to better the lives of every student through family-school partnerships. Over its long history, the PTA has been instrumental in advocating for major societal shifts, including the establishment of public kindergarten, child labor laws, and the federal school lunch program. Founders’ Day was officially established in 1910 by Mrs. David O. Mears to honor this legacy and renew the commitment to child advocacy.

Why is National PTA Founders’ Day important?

National PTA Founders’ Day is important because it highlights the critical role that family engagement plays in a student’s academic and social success. It serves as an annual reminder that the voices of parents and teachers, when unified, can influence national policy and improve local school environments. The day celebrates the power of individual action and the historical progress made in child safety, juvenile justice, and educational equity.

The observance also provides a platform to recognize the millions of volunteers who dedicate their time to local school boards and classrooms. By honoring the past, the holiday inspires current members to continue fighting for inclusive practices and modern solutions to challenges like school safety and digital literacy. It reinforces the idea that every child deserves a supportive community and the resources necessary to reach their full potential.

• The holiday commemorates the birth of the nation’s oldest volunteer child advocacy group.
• It recognizes the historical achievements of the founders in child labor and nutrition laws.
• The day promotes the importance of strong partnerships between parents and educators.
• It serves as a recruitment opportunity for new volunteers to join local PTA units.
• National PTA uses the date to highlight ongoing legislative goals for public education.

How to Celebrate National PTA Founders’ Day

Celebrating National PTA Founders’ Day often involves local school ceremonies where long-term volunteers and outstanding teachers receive awards for their service. Many local units host “Founder’s Day Teas” or community breakfasts to share the organization’s history with new families. It is also common for PTAs to organize a “Day of Service,” where members complete projects like school garden planting, library organization, or supply drives for underserved students.

On a broader scale, families observe the day by participating in “Take Your Family to School Week,” which often coincides with the February 17th anniversary. This involves attending open houses, workshops, or student performances that showcase the school’s achievements. Many people also choose to make a donation to the National PTA Endowment Fund, ensuring that the organization has the financial resources to continue its advocacy work for future generations.

• Attend a local school ceremony to honor volunteers with service awards.
• Share stories of your school’s history and milestones on social media.
• Donate supplies or funds to a local PTA project that benefits students.
• Participate in a school-wide day of service to improve the campus environment.
• Wear PTA-branded clothing or colors to show support for the association.

National PTA Founders’ Day Dates Table