Founders’ Day Celebration

Founders’ Day is when we celebrate the legacy and work of our PTA founders to better the lives of every child in education, health, wellness and safety. It is a time to reflect and take pride in our achievements and renew our commitment to being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education.

2025 Founders’ Day Luncheon

LWPTSA Council was pleased to host our annual Founders’ Day Luncheon on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Matts’ Rotisserie and Oyster Lounge in Redmond Town Center. We were joined by nearly 180 guests, including PTA leaders, school principals, local PTA Reflections chairs, district leaders, past Council presidents, and more community friends.

Founders’ Day 2026

Check back in the fall for our 2026 Founders’ Day celebration date! We look forward to continuing this tradition with our community.

About Our Founders’ Day Luncheon

Each February, the Lake Washington PTSA 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, present Council awards, and enjoy a keynote speaker. There is also plenty of time for socializing and making new connections!

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.

Contact Us

2024-2025 LWPTSA Council Founders’ Day Celebration Co-Chairs: Trish Lorr & Manda Mangrai — Email: Founders.Day (at) LWPTSA.net