Connection and Purpose

School is about more than academics. It’s also about community, as the pandemic reminded us.

Yes, students lost critical learning time. But a lot more was lost. Our youngest students missed kindergarten, which teaches social skills. Students missed breakfast and lunch programs. Parents struggled with work outside the home. Organized parent support of schools declined.

All of these programs that we often take for granted — kindergarten, school meals, before- and after-school programs — all of them were created or supported through the advocacy of PTA parents working together.

The longstanding influence of PTA

PTAs have been a crucial part of the fabric of America for well over a century. In that time, PTAs have participated in the biggest social changes in history. Why? Because they bring people together with a sense of community purpose. When effectively connected, parents are a tremendous force on behalf of children and families. PTAs create the conditions for people to connect and learn together. As parents become advocates, communities find the will necessary to improve the lives of children.

The work continues. In November, with the support of consistent PTA parent advocacy, voters overwhelmingly passed Prop. 28, providing guaranteed funding for arts education. Adding to the smiles was strong support for a flavored tobacco vaping ban, Prop. 31, which had been challenged by the tobacco industry. The California State PTA is a leading voice to protect youth from the dangers of vaping.

When parents work together, legislators listen. Here are just a few recent bills that passed into law with PTA support:

• Later school start times in middle school and high school (SB 328).
• Family engagement strategies and outcomes required in annual school plans (Local Control and Accountability Plans) (AB 2828).
• No suspensions in elementary and middle school students for willfully defying school staff (SB 419).

Helping parents become strong advocates

These advocacy successes do not happen through luck. They are the result of ongoing parent training throughout the state. Training parents to speak up for children is part of the DNA of PTA.

Statewide advocacy efforts are led by parent volunteers who review proposed legislation, testify at legislative committee meetings, and meet with legislators. They represent hundreds of thousands of parents throughout California.

Come to Sacramento in March for the State PTA Legislation Conference

The legislative team of the California State PTA holds a Legislation Conference each year, timed to bring parents together at just the right time in the legislative cycle to make a difference. More than a hundred parents from all corners of the state visit Sacramento for two days of training. PTA volunteers learn strategies for successful visits to legislators and are updated on education, health, and child welfare issues. They then bring those lessons home to their PTA communities.

This year's conference will include a panel on early childhood and K-12 mental health as well as an overview of the state budget by Kevin Gordon of Capitol Advisors and John Gray of School Services, two influential policy consulting organizations.

You don’t have to be a policy expert or an advocacy rock star to attend this conference. It is designed for all parents and students, from an advocacy novice to a policy wonk. Giving parents the opportunity and skills to visit legislators is an essential component of the training.

Advocacy throughout the state

In addition to the state PTA organization, some regional PTA organizations (known as PTA Districts) also organize visits to Sacramento in a tradition known as Sac Safaris. As the name suggests, parents and students visit the state capitol to let their legislators know about issues that are important in their communities. Most PTA Districts are numbered, and the numbers are a hint about when they were organized. The lowest numbers are the oldest PTAs.

How do PTAs choose issues to focus on?

PTAs do not adopt advocacy positions based on the whims of political parties or trends on social media. As 501(c)(3) not for profit organizations, PTAs cannot endorse or oppose candidates. They can, however, advocate on issues.

PTA Purpose: “To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.”

Advocacy decisions are guided by a legislative platform and by resolutions, which are democratically passed at the PTA annual convention. For insight into how PTAs decide on advocacy issues, watch this presentation from November, 2022.

Prior to the convention, resolutions are reviewed carefully to ensure that they are based on solid research. Preparing a resolution is a lot like writing a college term paper.

Recent adopted resolutions include:

• Plant-based Food Options at School
• Increased Funding for Chronic Diseases and Injury Prevention
• E Cigarettes/vaping, flavored tobacco products and youth health
• Mental Health Services for Children and Youth

Successful Advocacy

PTA works with legislators on all sides of the political spectrum who agree on the importance of improving the lives of children and youth.

Its work is recognized nationally through awards for Outstanding State PTA and Advocate of the Year Award.

Strong member training ensures advocacy continues for each new generation of students.