Convention Confidential: Why You’ll Want to Be There in 2025

Leadership, Advocacy, and Hope - Insights from Yvonne Johnson, National PTA President

Are you ready to be inspired? In this episode, Yvonne Johnson shares her journey from local PTA leader to the national stage, highlighting lessons on advocacy, leadership, and resilience that apply to all PTA volunteers and leaders. Recorded on March 24, 2026. Main Topics: * Yvonne Johnson's leadership journey and breakthroughs in advocacy * The importance of building trust and community in PTA * How to effectively lead during challenging times * The value of professional development and continuous learning in PTA * Strategies for fostering family engagement and digital safety * Insights into PTA's programs and resources for local units * The key role of hope and authenticity in leadership Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Yvonne Johnson, past PTA President and advocate 00:31 - Yvonne's background and early involvement in PTA and advocacy 01:57 - Her journey from local to national leadership 04:21 - The importance of advocacy and voice in PTA 06:54 - Mentorship, leadership development, and passing the baton 08:40 - Insights into upcoming National PTA convention 09:35 - The significance of resolutions and policy advocacy 11:54 - Building relationships through in-person conferences 12:34 - How PTA is more than just a school organization—it's leadership for families 16:38 - Reflection on major decisions during her tenure, including dues increase 20:28 - The importance of professional development and standards in PTA leadership 23:01 - Resources for local leaders on the PTA Thrive platform 26:10 - What most people don't see about leadership at the national level 27:37 - Personal facets of Yvonne’s leadership style 31:04 - Overcoming challenges and self-doubt in leadership roles 36:34 - The power of trust, perseverance, and empathy 44:59 - Final message: hold onto hope and the importance of showing up authentically Resources & Links: * ⁠PTA.org⁠ [https://pta.org/] — official PTA website with resources and programs * ⁠PTA Thrive Platform⁠ [https://pta.org/pta-thrive] — online training and courses * ⁠PTA Family Engagement Standards⁠ [https://pta.org/family-engagement] — guiding principles for PTA engagement * ⁠PTA Connected Program⁠ [https://pta.org/digital-safety] — digital safety resources for families * ⁠Reflections Program⁠ [https://pta.org/reflections] — arts recognition program for students * ⁠PTA COVID-19 Resources⁠ [https://pta.org/covid-19] — support for pandemic-related challenges Remember, leadership is about who you show up as — your authenticity, passion, and hope can make all the difference. Join us in carrying forward the legacy of PTA by inspiring others and making an impact in your community.

Bridging the Gap: How PTAs, Boards, and BOCES Can Collaborate for Better Education

Summary This episode explores the collaboration between school boards, BOCES, and PTAs, highlighting real stories, challenges, and strategies for effective teamwork in education. Guest Catherine Romano shares insights from decades of experience, emphasizing communication, trust, and community engagement. Keywords PTA, school boards, BOCES, education collaboration, community engagement, school leadership, communication, teamwork in education Key  topics Communication breakdowns and solutions in education collaboration Building trust and breaking silos among PTAs, boards, and BOCES Real-life examples of successful teamwork in schools Strategies for effective advocacy and community engagement Guest  name Catherine Romano Titles Bridging the Gap: How PTAs, Boards, and BOCES Can Collaborate Effectively The Power of Partnership: Building Trust in Education Leadership Sound bites "Honesty and trust make the structure work" "Showcasing programs changes perceptions" "Share facts, not passion, in advocacy" Chapters 00:00 Bridging the Gap in Education 03:10 Understanding Collaboration Dynamics 04:50 Navigating the Unique Landscape of NYC Education 05:15 Real-Life Examples of Effective Collaboration 11:47 Connecting Boards, BOCES, and PTAs 18:15 Understanding BOCES Programs and Their Impact 22:49 Bridging Communication Gaps in Education 29:31 Creating Effective Advocacy and Collaboration 36:43 Transforming PTA into a Powerful Advocacy Tool 48:56 Building Connections in PTA Leadership 51:15 Rapid Fire Insights on Collaboration 52:02 Favorite PTA Moments and Teamwork 55:42 Addressing Parental Concerns in Schools 59:41 Navigating Challenges as PTA Leaders 01:02:30 The Impact of Leadership on FamiliesRecorded on 10/29/25

Council Unplugged - Live from the 2025 NYS PTA Convention

This episode was recorded live at the NYS PTA Convention in Niagara Falls, NY on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Includes your podcast hosts Robin Brumfield, Kathleen McEnroe, Mary Sotomayor & Sonya Verrillo as well as panelists Brenda Cardoza and Maria Sanders. Ideas were also shared by PTA leaders who attended the workshop/recording. Summary: This conversation explores the multifaceted roles and challenges faced by PTA leaders, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, volunteer engagement, financial accountability, and fostering a supportive culture within the organization. The speakers share personal insights and strategies for building effective teams, recruiting and retaining volunteers, and navigating the complexities of budget season, all while highlighting the collaborative nature of PTA work. Takeaways PTA leadership is filled with unexpected challenges, and building a strong team often requires reaching beyond traditional members to bring in new voices and perspectives. Micro-volunteering can significantly ease the workload by allowing people to contribute in smaller, more manageable ways, while innovative approaches help PTAs operate more effectively in today’s busy school communities. Volunteers should always feel valued and recognized for their contributions, and maintaining strong financial accountability is essential to the success and credibility of any PTA. Councils should serve as supportive allies rather than overseers, helping local units feel empowered rather than directed. When leaders focus on creating a culture of trust, it encourages open communication and stronger collaboration among schools, which in turn enhances overall community engagement. Through it all, PTA service builds meaningful experience and develops transferable skills that are valuable in many professional settings.   Sound bites "Micro volunteering is key." "PTA is a business." "We are not the boss of PTA." Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Council Conversations Unfiltered 04:42 Building Effective Teams in PTA 09:23 Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers 14:15 Navigating Budget Season and Financial Accountability 17:24 Understanding the Role of Council 24:34 Creating a Culture of Trust and SupportKeywords PTA, leadership, teamwork, volunteers, budget, council, support, community, education, collaboration

Meeting Adjourned: PTA Tales & Fails

In this episode of Bite Size Insights, the hosts welcome long-time NYS PTA leader & consultant Jackie Wilson, to discuss the realities of PTA life, sharing personal stories of successes, failures, and the importance of community involvement. They emphasize the need for training, mentorship, and effective communication to navigate the challenges faced by PTAs. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships among parents and the impact of their efforts on students' education and well-being. Recorded on May 27, 2025 by Mary Sotomayor, Robin Brumfield, Kathleen McEnroe, Sonya Verrillo and NYS PTA Consultant Jackie Wilson.

Convention Confidential: Why You’ll Want to Be There in 2025

Recorded on September 19, 2025 by Mary Sotomayor, Robin Brumfield, Kathleen McEnroe, Sonya Verrillo and NYS PTA President Patty Frazier. This bonus episode of Bite Size Insights from New York State PTA provides an exclusive preview of the 2025 New York State PTA Convention being held on November 14-16, 2025 in Niagara Falls, NY, featuring discussions on the importance of connection, leadership, and personal experiences from past conventions. The hosts share their favorite memories, the impact of conventions on their PTA journeys, and the significance of networking and training in enhancing their roles as leaders. They emphasize the power of encouragement and the ongoing need for development within the PTA community. In this engaging conversation, the participants discuss the evolving role of leadership within the PTA, emphasizing the importance of workshops, community engagement, and youth advocacy. They share insights on how to make council meetings more meaningful, the significance of transportation in school systems, and the value of networking and collaboration. The discussion also covers practical tips for convention planning, the importance of measuring the PTA's mission, and the excitement surrounding upcoming workshops and events. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that highlight personal experiences and advice for first-time attendees.