Click Here for April 2024 Advocacy Updates

In the context of PTA, Advocacy entails providing support and raising one's voice on behalf of children, whether within educational institutions, communities, or when engaging with governmental bodies and other organizations that influence decisions concerning children. The goal is to promote policies and practices that benefit children and create a positive and supportive environment for their growth and development.

For over a century, the PTA has tirelessly advocated for the well-being and education of children. Founded in 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers, it initially addressed child labor laws. Evolving into the Congress of Parents and Teachers in the 1920s, the PTA remains dedicated to improving children's lives. With a focus on involving parents in education and addressing social issues, the PTA empowers its members to be a strong voice and a valuable resource for parents.

Legislative Priorities for 2023-2024

1. Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis 
2. Addressing Critical Gaps in Education Funding
3. Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide
4. Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education
5. Building and Maintaining Safer School Facilities 

2023-2024 WSPTA Supported Issues 

1. Creating a Diverse and Effective Educator Workforce 
2. Expanding School Construction Funding Options 
3. Harnessing the Benefits of Mastery-based Learning 
4. Improving Equitable Identification and Access for Highly Capable Students 
5. Increasing Education Equity by Closing the Digital Divide
6. Increasing Support for Equitable Family Engagement 
7. Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change 
8. Multi and Heritage Language Education for All
9. Supporting a Meaningful High School Diploma 

1. Become a PTA Member: Joining the PTA at your school enhances the influence the organization already has on your behalf. The WA State PTA team actively advocates in Olympia, and your membership contributes to our numbers, strengthening the impact of our advocacy efforts in the eyes of legislators
2. Contact Your STATE Legislators as a PTA Member and Share Our WA State PTA Legislative Platform: By adding your voice to those PTA members already working on your behalf, you raise the volume of our requests and help make sure our legislators know these issues are truly a priority for ALL of us.
3. Contact Your STATE Legislators as a Parent and Community Member to Share Your Own, Personal Concerns, Stories, and Opinions: while as PTA members we legally must share the official PTA stances and platform, as individual constituents we always have the right to speak our own opinions and add weight to the grassroots interest in these important topics.

*images are sourced from https://www.wastatepta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/