2026-2027 Founders’ Day Celebration Chair: Pallavi Bhandarkar – Founders.Day (at) LWPTSA.net
Each February, the LWPTSA Council members gather to celebrate the anniversary of what was originally known as the National Congress of Mothers. Local unit leaders along with district administrators, school principals, honored volunteers, community partners and Washington State PTA leaders are invited to share this special time with us. We will recognize the achievements of PTA and our community, feature artwork and performances by LWPTSA Council Reflections winners, and enjoy a keynote speaker. There is also plenty of time for socializing and making new connections!
2027 Founders’ Day Luncheon
Details for 2026-27 Founder’s Day Luncheon will be posted soon.
PTA leaders: Because space is limited, 4 guests per PTA are welcome to attend. It is tradition to invite your school’s principal and Reflections program chairperson as part of your group.
Community partners: Our committee will be in touch directly with your invitation!
RSVP: One contact person per PTA board is requested to complete and submit the RSVP form (TBD) on behalf of your group. Indicate meal selections for each attendee on RSVP form.
Cost: $TBD/person ($TBD for group of 4).
Print invoice and send in payment no later than Jan TBD. Make checks payable to LWPTSA Council. Mail to: LWPTSA Council Founders’ Day, PO Box 97039, Redmond WA 98073.
PTA Founders’ Day: A Proud Past – A Bright Future
On Feb. 17, 1897, Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst founded the National Congress of Mothers – a nationwide movement – in a time when social activism was scorned and women did not have the vote. They called for action and more than 2,000 people responded; many were mothers, but fathers, teachers, laborers, and legislators also responded. Support grew from that first meeting in Washington DC.
In 1970, the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (formerly the National Congress of Mothers) and the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers—founded by Selena Sloan Butler in Atlanta, Georgia—merged to serve ALL children. Today, the National PTA is the largest child advocacy volunteer organization in the nation, and the conscience of the country for education, safety and health issues affecting youth.
Some of the programs and legislation that the PTA has helped create throughout the years include:
- Kindergarten classes
- Child labor laws
- Public health service
- Hot lunch programs
- Juvenile justice system
- Mandatory immunization
The PTA was founded to improve children’s lives and learning by involving parents in their children’s education and addressing social problems affecting families, such as child labor, rampant childhood disease, high infant mortality, delinquency, and a criminal justice system that was cruel to youth. From the beginning, PTA has advocated for a strong public school system, with initiatives aimed at securing adequate funding, improved teacher training, and equal educational opportunities for all children. We now have 55 Congresses (organizations formed at the state and territory level). Washington State PTA has 900+ local PTA and PTSA organizations with over 150,000 members. Every member matters. Learn more about WSPTA history here.
Past Founders’ Day
2026 – photo gallery
2025 – photo gallery
Questions?
Contact Founders.Day (at) LWPTSA.net