Advocacy FAQ
What does advocacy mean for the Washington State PTA?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “advocacy” as “Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.” The core of the PTA mission is to advocate for Washington’s children – with the vision that every child’s potential become a reality. The power of “everychild.onevoice.®” speaks to our legislative advocacy theme for 2014 which has been “All Means All.” From the initial days of the legislative session to sine die, our legislative team worked to insure that all of Washington’s Children had a voice in Olympia.
Who is our Legislative Team?
Our PTA Legislative Team for the 2014 Session was led by our Legislative Director Sherry Krainick. The legislative director is directly elected by the membership for a two year term. Ms. Krainick’s term ends in May of 2015. Assisting Director Krainick are Regional Legislative Chairs. These individuals are appointed by the Regional Directors in the 13 Regions. The Legislative Team used the Vision, Mission, PTA Resolutions, Legislative Principles, and Platform Issues to determine which bills to track and push during the legislative session.
Washington State PTA Resolutions, Legislative Principles, and Platform Calendar:
The Washington State PTA, like our state legislature, discusses issues and legislative proposals throughout the year. Our cycle starts in June with the deadlines for our members to submit proposals to be considered for legislative Assembly. For those who wish to push for resolutions at convention, the due date for submittal is November 15th .
- June 15th, 2014 – Deadline for submission for Resolutions, Platform and Legislative Principles for the 2014 Legislative Assembly
- October 24th to 25th, 2014 – Legislative Assembly in Vancouver, Washington
- November 15th, 2014 – Deadlines for submission for Resolution Proposals for the 2015 State Convention
- January 12th 2015 – Opening Day of Washington State Legislative Session
- January 19th, 2015 – Focus Day in Olympia
What is Legislative Assembly?
Glad you asked! The Washington State PTA holds its Legislative Assembly in October of this year. Representatives from across the state meet to debate and discuss issues that the PTA hopes to advocate for during the next legislative biennium. During the weekend event, we discuss three different types of legislative proposals: Platform Issues, Legislative Principles, and Resolutions. Legislative Assembly will also offer training opportunities around grassroots advocacy.
What are Resolutions?
Washington State PTA resolutions outline the opinion and will of the association to address statewide problems. They require action to be taken by the WSPTA and are long-term positions. Once accepted by the resolutions committee and approved by the WSPTA Board of Directors, they are voted on by delegates at either the legislative assembly or the state convention. Resolutions are periodically reviewed, combined, amended, rescinded or retired. Retiring a position keeps it on the books for historical reference. Rescinding a position removes it from the books.
What are Legislative Principles?
Washington PTA Legislative Principles are foundational and lay out conceptual public policy objectives. They serve as the basis from which to evaluate short-term proposals and resolutions and are reviewed annually with members. They are organized into the following categories: Budget & Revenue; Parent and Family Involvement; Public Education Policies & Funding; Health & Well Being of Youth; and Safe & Nurturing Environments for Children & Youth. Changes may be proposed through the legislation committee. Committee recommendations are presented to the board of directors for review. Any changes to the document must be approved by delegates at the fall legislative assembly.
What are Platform Issues?
Unlike Legislative Principles which are long term, Platform issues are short term policy proposals which coincide with the Legislative Biennium. Once the biennium has concluded, the issue may be reintroduced the following cycle. These short term issues help determine which policies the WSPTA will monitor and attempt to influence through legislative and policy making bodies. They will also shape WSPTA’s collaborative work with other groups, coalitions, and organizations. In addition, at the close of legislative assembly, all platform issues will be voted on and ranked in order of attendee preference. The top five will be our legislative Priority – “The Top Five” for the legislative cycle.
