Hello and welcome to the Massachusetts Association of Parent Advisory Councils, more commonly known as MASSPAC.

Thank you for visiting this site. We are pleased you are able to access the important information provided here and hope you find this site helpful and educational.

MASSPAC is an independent, nonprofit, tax-exempt member association of parents, school based councils, professionals and agencies. Its financial support comes primarily from membership dues, donations and advertising revenues. The success of this organization is dependent on its membership. The more members we have, the louder our voice. We need YOU to make MASSPAC a strong and viable association by becoming a member. Even though the parent advisory council (PAC) in your district may be a member, each individual should consider the value of their personal membership. It makes a difference! MASSPAC combines both traditional and innovative means to support its members. This includes a program of training, publications and communications. Use of the internet is central to MASSPAC activities.

The mission of MASSPAC is to maintain a state-wide network of parents, professionals, and school-based councils in a shared effort to understand, respect, and support appropriate education for all children with special needs in our respective communities. We need you to make this work.

Membership builds a stronger state-wide organization and a more efficient operation to meet parent and parent council needs. Membership provides you with current information on education and the issues parents face regarding special education and disability issues. You receive resource folders, materials, guides and discounts on all programs and publications. Our dynamic listserve provides you access to other individuals who can help you help your children (or clients) and point them in the right direction. If you have ever accessed the listserve or received referrals from the masspac network, we need your financial contribution because we cannot do this alone.

All membership levels guarantee quarterly issues to MASSPAC NewsWatch. Additional benefits depend on the level of membership you choose. There is general membership for individuals, families and professionals. There is the parent advisory council (PAC) membership level which helps local pacs build resources and enhance professional development for PAC management. We have a new Associate Member program introduced this past summer that connects parents to providers of valuable services and products that can help them and their families. The details can be found at the MASSPAC website under the membership area: www.masspac.org/membership/index.htm. There is a membership level just for you. If membership does not fit your plans at this time, please consider making a tax-deductible donation as you plan your charitable giving program for this year.

MASSPAC’s strength and unique focus are strongly rooted in its financial independence. This organization does not receive any federal or state funds. On one hand, this provides greater ability to speak freely regarding issues and concerns that impact children and focus on the needs of parents, but it is also this aspect that is our biggest challenge in keeping MASSPAC viable. Our financial resources are met primarily through memberships, trainings, and publications. Research is underway to find grant funding opportunities that will allow growth and more service to members.

MASSPAC is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All charitable donations are welcomed and are tax-deductible.

Thank you for your support in our collective effort to make this a better world for kids who have disabilities!

Suzanne Gervais

MASSPAC Fast Facts