Legislative

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY: Creating Change with the Power of PTA

Cherry Crest Elementary PTSA 2.3.25

National PTA Convention is Virtual June 17-26

National PTA’s Convention will be held virtually Thursday, June 17 through Saturday, June 26, 2021. Normally held at different locations around the country, this is a unique opportunity to attend from the comfort of your own home.  All parents are invited to register and attend online.  The cost is $75.  Note: As a registered participant you will also be able to view most sessions on demand for up to 90 days after the event.  Seize the chance to expand your knowledge and skills through informative general sessions, workshops, meet-ups and the virtual Expo Hall! Questions? Contact legislativerep@cherrycrest-ptsa.org.

Virtual wspta CONVENTION IS mAY 21-23, 2021

Washington State Parent Teacher Association (WSPTA) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the well-being and education of all children.  At this year’s Convention, PTA members across Washington State will gather together virtually to attend live webinars, subject area panels offering expert advice on a variety of topics, and coaching sessions.  Listen, learn, and lend your voice to educational issues important to your family! 
 
WSPTA Convention will be held virtually starting Tuesday, May 18 through Sunday, May 23.  All PTA members are invited to register and attend online.  The cost is $70.00.  Not a PTA member yet?  Join today and then register for WSPTA Convention. Note: Cherry Crest PTSA has a budget to help members with the cost of attending these events.  Contact President@cherrycrest-ptsa.org for more details.
 
Want to have a more active role?  You can become a voting delegate by contacting President@cherrycrest-ptsa.org by Sunday, May 2.  We can have up to four voting delegates from Cherry Crest PTSA.  Voting delegates will attend the WSPTA Annual Meeting on Saturday May 22 to vote on WSPTA Uniform Bylaws and elect the 2021-2023 WSPTA Board of Directors as well as hear updates on association finances, membership, advocacy, and more.
 
Questions? Contact legislativerep@cherrycrest-ptsa.org

Virtual NATIONAL pta Legislative CONFERENCE MARCH 9-11, 2021

This year’s National PTA Legislative Conference (LegCon) was held virtually on March 9-11, 2021. The purpose of the conference is to gather PTA members from across the nation to network with fellow PTA advocates, meet with your members of Congress, hear PTA advocacy success stories and learn how to shape public policy on Capitol Hill and at home.  Cherry Crest PTSA’s Legislative Chair attended and met virtually with Congressional Staff from the Offices of Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Adam Smith.  During these meetings attendees outlined the top priorities of National PTA and shared personal stories in support of these priorities.  One noted outcome was an invitation to reach out more often for these types of meetings.  Our representatives and senators love to hear from us!  Also, a Congressional Staffer from Rep. Adam Smith’s office invited attendees to e-mail her in order to get on a mailing list for K-12 and Child Nutrition policy updates.  Contact legislativerep@cherrycrest-ptsa.org for more details.

Virtual WSPTA Legislative Assembly Oct 24-25, 2020

The 42nd Annual Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly was held virtually on October 24-25, 2020. The purpose of the assembly is to gather PTA delegates from across the state to decide on proposed issues, principles and resolutions that make up the WSPTA platform for advocacy. This year’s assembly also decided the Top 5 Legislative Issues that WSPTA will advocate in favor of during the upcoming state legislative session in Olympia. Over 250 voting delegates representing 139 PTAs (including Cherry Crest) and all 13 regions of the state came together and decided the below Top 5 Legislative Priorities for 2020-21. All issues, principles and resolutions on WSPTA’s platform can be used to support advocacy at all levels (state, local, district, school). For details on all issues, principles and resolutions on the current platform visit the WSPTA’s Advocacy page.

Top 5 Legislative Priorities for 2020-2021

  • Increase Access to Nursing, Mental Health, and Social Emotional Learning Staff
  • Support Students and Preserve Education Funding
  • Increasing Educational Equity by Closing the Digital Divide
  • Supports and Funding for Students with Disabilities and Their Families
  • Prevent and Reduce Gun Violence and Suicide

Definition of Issues, Principles and Resolutions according to the WSPTA website:

The top five issues become our short-term platform and consist of our priority issues when advocating throughout the year. Other issues are placed on an “also supported” list.

The WSPTA Legislative Principles consist of five overarching categories: budget, revenue, and funding; family and community engagement; public education policies; health and well-being of children and youth; and safe and nurturing environments for children and youth. Long term legislative principles fill the gaps in the short-term issue platform when an emerging issue arises for members to advocate on behalf of children.

Resolutions guide our advocacy work from the local to the state level. They may be amended and updated, or retired, and are usually broader in scope than legislative issues.

Get Involved!

PTA members can submit proposals for issues, principles and resolutions. For information on the submittal process and deadlines visit the WSPTA Take Action page.

Join the PTSA
Together we are a powerful voice for children! Any parent/guardian, teacher, student or community member can join.
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How to Get Involved
Subscribe to state PTA Action Alerts: Receive e-mail alerts when your action can directly impact a specific issue.
 
Read the state PTA blog: Weekly posts about active, high-priority bills and what PTA is doing each week in Olympia.
 
Resources

WSPTA Home
National PTA Advocacy Toolkit

Questions?

Contact legislativerep@cherrycrest-ptsa.org