Why We Lobby

Fulfilling our mission as advocates for children

Part of the National PTA’s threefold mission is to speak on behalf of all children and youth before governmental bodies and other organizations. These advocacy and lobbying measures include mobilizing individuals, local and state units to work with the National PTA in molding specific government programs, policies, and priorities.

In order to maintain a nonprofit status under federal rules, the National PTA is nonpartisan and works to direct its efforts at members of both political parties in order to enact change. When PTA officers or lobbyists participate in legislative activities that educate lawmakers about officially adopted PTA positions, or support a particular piece of legislation that is in agreement with the PTA Legislative Program, it is done on a strictly nonpartisan basis.

A nonprofit organization, like the PTA, is considered to be engaging in lobbying efforts if it either contacts or urges the public to contact lawmakers for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation. The amount of money the National PTA can use for these purposes is also strictly regulated under the federal non-profit status rules.

How To Lobby Locally

Working effectively ensures that your time and actions result in the maximum possible benefit. PTA members are volunteers with families, jobs, and many other time and energy demands. Therefore, it is critical that each action taken is conceived and executed for maximum affect. National PTA has developed and assembled a variety of useful tools that enables you to quickly access the information needed to help in your advocacy activities on behalf of PTA.

One of the tools National PTA provides to help you advocate for your children and schools is an easy online e-Learning course, Effective Advocacy for Your Child.

LISTEN TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVES “IN ACTION!”

Kansas State Board of Education Meetings

Did you know that you can listen to the Kansas State Board of Education meetings while they are taking place? It’s very interesting. I would encourage everyone to listen to the their representatives during these meetings. Just go to www.ksde.org and “click” on the “Board” tab at the top. Then select “Board Audio Broadcast Meetings.” You may need to download some software to listen to it.

Kansas Legislature

Likewise, you can listen to current happenings with the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate by going to: http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-legisportal/curHapsIndex.do