Membership Model Review

We Reviewed Our Membership Model 

Council undertook a membership model review to address the evolving challenges faced by public school P&C associations, including declining volunteerism, increasing administrative demands, and shifting societal norms. Recognising the need to adapt to these changes, we aimed to identify a sustainable and future-ready model that aligns with our purpose: empowering parents to positively influence their children’s education. By rethinking how we support P&Cs and engage parents, we seek to ensure our relevance, broaden our impact, and foster stronger partnerships across the ACT public school community.  

Summary of proposed Membership Model Changes 

We have reimagined our membership model to better reflect the needs of our members and ensure we are ready for the future. From now until July 2025, we will be working with our members to implement the following changes: 

1. Simplified Membership Categories: Membership options will be streamlined, with tiered fees for P&C associations based on school size, making it easier to understand and predict your fees.  
2. Broader Engagement Opportunities: We will be introducing a new category for parents and carers, allowing individuals to join as free or paid supporters, expanding opportunities for parental involvement beyond traditional P&C structures. 
3. Corporate Partners: High-value partnerships with corporate organisations will be established to help fund key initiatives. 
4. Refocusing on Core Priorities: Membership categories have been refined to ensure alignment with our core purpose to empower parents to shape their child’s public education experience.  This allows us to concentrate our efforts on delivering value where it is most needed, while offering tailored pathways for others to engage with our services. 
5. Support for P&Cs: Enhanced resources and tools for P&Cs to streamline operations and reduce their workload and help them thrive in a modern, challenging environment. 

What else will be changing? 

• Rebranding Council: We’ll be updating our name and branding to better reflect our purpose and the diverse range of services we provide for P&Cs, parents, and carers. 
• Technology Upgrades: To improve communication and efficiency, we’re adopting new technology, including member management software and an upgraded website. These tools will simplify access to resources, keep members better informed, and foster stronger connections. 
• Trialling a Parent Advocacy Service: This model will lay the foundation for a trial parent advocacy service - a ‘for parents, by parents’ initiative - designed to support parents in navigating the public education system and help resolve challenges whilst promoting working in partnerships between parents and schools. 

What are the benefits for members? 

• Enhanced Member Experience: The rebranding and technology upgrades will make it easier to access resources and stay connected, with a website and tools that are modern, user-friendly, and tailored to your needs. 
• Better Resources and Support: A clearer membership structure enables us to develop targeted resources, reducing administrative burdens on P&Cs, so they can focus on supporting their school communities. 
• Simplified Budgeting: With a more predictable fee structure, P&Cs will find it easier to plan their finances. The streamlined approach also reduces manual administration, allowing Council staff to focus more on direct member support. 
• Expanded Advocacy and Representation: With more pathways for individual parents and carers, we’re strengthening the voice of parents and carers in shaping the future of ACT public education. 
• A Foundation for Growth: These changes position Council to meet future challenges with resilience, supporting new initiatives like the parent advocacy service and securing our ability to serve ACT public school families. 

Transforming together  

We are reaching out to all our members to share the outcomes of our recent membership model review, which reflects our commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of our community and ensuring the sustainability of P&Cs and our shared mission. In term 1 of 2025, we will provide more details about the proposed changes and offer opportunities for members to provide input and collaborate on the implementation process. Together, we can build a stronger, more sustainable model that supports the vital role parents and carers play in shaping public education in the ACT. 

Proposed changes to membership categories 

Public school parent associations

All public school P&C Associations and Preschool Parent Associations are affiliated members of Council.

Helping P&Cs thrive!

We provide members  with the tools and skills they need to run thriving P&Cs.

We connect our members, through our representative work, with decision-makers in government.

And we connect members with each other, to share skills, ideas and inspiration.

.... Discover more about the benefits of being a member of Council!

Find out what our members say about us

Individuals

Individuals can also join Council. You do not need to be a member of a Parent Association. Anyone who has an interest in improving public education is welcome. Please contact us to talk about becoming involved.

Related organisations - associate membership

Council also accepts associate membership. This is open to any organisation consisting of parents and citizens which represents or is involved in the educational interests of students. For more information, or if you would like to become an associate member, contact us.

Life members

Life membership is bestowed on individuals to recognise outstanding and long-term contributions to ACT Public Education, Parent Associations and Council.