Have you ever negotiated with family members regarding household chores, promoted a special program at your child’s school, urged others to incorporate your ideas into a plan at a PTA meeting, or tried to persuade a teacher, principal, school board member, or elected official to change a policy? If you can say yes to any of those questions then YOU are an experienced advocate. Every time you told someone what you wanted or needed, you were being an advocate. (Effective Advocacy for Your Child, pta.org)
National PTA’s motto is “every child, one voice.” Sometimes it is necessary for us to speak out on behalf of children. If one of the areas of concern in your school community indicates a need for a change in policy, it may be necessary for you to speak out—to parents, school faculty, the school board, the city council, or the Legislature. If you will be speaking on behalf of PTA, be sure to consult with your PTA leaders. They can help you refine your message and make sure that what you say is in harmony with the goals and mission of PTA. They may also be able to speak on your behalf, when feasible and appropriate.
If the area of concern affects children throughout the state, consider drafting a resolution to submit to the Utah PTA Resolutions Committee for consideration at the annual Utah PTA Leadership Convention. If approved by the membership, the resolution will become one of the issues that the Utah PTA commissioners will actively pursue at the Utah Legislature or the Utah State Board of Education. Information about the resolution process is found in the Utah PTA President Handbook and Legislative section of this website.
Utah PTA has many resolutions that have been adopted by its general membership. Education resolutions that are current as of this printing are listed on the following pages. For an up-to-date list, see utahpta.org/resolutionsposition-statements. The resolutions are categorized by commission topics. Education resolutions include High School Graduation Requirements, School Trust Lands, Language Instruction, State Board of Education, and others.
National PTA has advocacy resources available to its members and you will find these at their website, pta.org/advocacy. These resources will help you advocate effectively, build coalitions, develop your message, and target decision-makers. You will find National PTA Resolutions under “About PTA/Governance” on their website.
The following are examples of appropriate advocacy efforts by Education Commissioners.
- Advocate for appropriate learning opportunities and school activities for all students.
- Work with your legislators to help them understand the need for adequate educational funding.
- Invite legislators to visit your council or local board meetings and organize a tour of schools in your district.
- Give information to the local school board on issues affecting your school.
- Visit with your legislator on a regular basis to discuss education concerns and the good things happening at your school.
- Join the Utah PTA Take Action Network to receive action alerts during the legislative session.
- Attend school community council meetings at your school and inform parents of outcomes via the PTA/ PTSA newsletter.
- Advocate for continuing professional development and renewal of licenser of educators.