There are many ways in which PTSA members can speak with one voice for children. Presenting your personal perspective when communicating with policy makers, yet knowing that PTSA’s advocacy strength comes from our collective voice, is important to relay the PTSA message. Whether you’re communicating one-on-one, by telephone, or in a letter, e-mail, or fax, relay the PTSA position.

Personal Visits

Personal visits are a most effective way to communicate with policy makers. You may want to visit policy makers in pairs or small groups. Too large a group can prevent meaningful discussion. The following are tips for successful visits:

• Schedule an appointment. If possible, identify who from the PTSA will attend the meeting.

• Draft an agenda and list the issues to be discussed. If it’s a group meeting, decide who will speak, and on what issues.

• Be open to questions. If you don’t know the answer, explain that you’ll get back with more information.

• Ask how the policy maker will vote on the issue.

Letters and Postcards

Letters not only alert policy makers to your views, but they help educate members about issues and involve them in advocacy. Letters should express an opinion in the writer’s own words. Avoid form letters, but modify model letters or talking points so that you communicate PTSA’s message in a way that speaks with one voice for all children. When writing, give attention to the following:

• Give the PTSA position,

• Show how the issue will affect the legislator’s constituents,

• Explain what action you want to happen.

Phone Calls, E-mail, Faxes

Phone calls, e-mail, and faxes are effective, especially when timing is critical and a policy maker’s support or vote is needed immediately. Following are tips for communicating your views:

• When phoning, ask to speak to the lawmaker or an aide who handles the issue;

• When e-mailing or faxing, address the lawmaker or the aide;

• Explain you are from the lawmaker’s district;

• Give the bill number and name;

• Explain why the issue is important to your PTSA;

• Ask the lawmaker to vote in your favor.