ADVOCACY RESOURCES

Bellevue PTSA Council Advocacy Directors
Jessica Pan & Jessica Smiddy
Washington State PTA's Legislative Priorities

The Washington State PTA legislative platform is a two-year platform to mirror the Washington state legislative cycle. On the even-numbered years, the new platform is voted on by members at the legislative assembly in the fall. The top five issues become our short-term platform and consist of our priority issues when advocating throughout the year. Other issues are placed on an “also supported” list. During the odd-numbered years, members vote to amend current issues or to add new, emerging issues to the also supported list. ​For a full description of the platform and Top 5 issues, please visit: https://www.wastatepta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/.

Legislative Priorities for 2020-23
Added Principle wording to our platform.  
1. Addition of "Anti-racism, anti-discrimination, anti-oppression" to the Safe and Nurturing Environments for Children and Youth category.  *Long term legislative principles fill the gaps in the short-term issue platform when an emerging issue arises for members to advocate on behalf of children.  

Top 5 Legislative Priorities + 3 Supported Issues for 2021-2023
These include:
1. Increase Access to Nursing, Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning Staff
2.  Support Students and Preserve Education Funding
3. Increasing Educational Equity by Closing the Digital Divide
4. Supports Funding for Students with Disabilities and Their Families
5. Prevent and Reduce Gun Violence and Suicide

Supported Issues include:
1. Equitable Identification and Services for Highly Capable Students
2. Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change
3. Safe School Plans and Emergency Preparedness

Passed Resolutions-these are now a permanent part of the WSPTA Platform
1. Cultural Access Programs and Expanded Learning Opportunities
2. School Nutrition, Breakfast and Lunch Policies 
3. Equitable Access to Recess, Play, Unstructured Time, and Physical Activity
4. Social Emotional Learning and Student Success
5. Restorative Justice and Improving Student Outcomes
6. Dismantling Institutional and Systemic Racism
7. Improving Access and Outcomes in Special Education
8. Supporting K-12 Career and Technical Education
Updated Resolution 11.28: Mitigating the Health Effects of Climate Change 
Focus Areas
Resolutions
​Legislative Principles
Annual Convention
PTA Takes Action
Focus Day & Advocacy Week

Other resources
National PTA Advocacy Site
National PTA Advocacy Toolkit
OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction)
Register to Vote ​