2014 california state pta convention workshop...

2014 California State PTA Convention

Workshop #C-8

PTA Advocacy • The basics

Advocacy • Identifying the issue

• Make a plan

Interactive Activity

Never doubt that a small group of

thoughtful, committed citizens can change

the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that

ever has.

Margaret Mead

Look in the mirror

We all have various levels of understanding

when it comes to advocacy.

Just start with this question:

Who do you know that is an effective advocate?

Why are children effective advocates? Because they:

Are not afraid to ask for what they want

Are persistent

Are able to appeal to your emotional side

Give you a variety of options to negotiate

Will try to make it seem as if it was your idea all along!

Therefore, all of us know how to be advocates— we have been doing it throughout our lives.

Nation’s largest advocacy organization working on

behalf of children.

The mission of the California State PTA is to

positively impact the lives of all children and families.

Secure adequate laws for the care and protection of

children and youth

Educate decision-makers at local, state and/or federal

levels

Educate the public

Influence laws, policies & programs

No amount of fundraising equals the impact of

a single piece of legislation!

Strength of numbers brings strength of

message. This is why membership

campaigns are critical.

Is it something that others are concerned about?

What are you trying to accomplish?

Does it fall within the scope of the PTA?

Does it use resources well?

Does it address the concerns of the community?

Will it energize members?

What are the arguments against the issue?

Has the California State PTA taken a position? o PTAs cannot advocate in the name of PTA without prior PTA

authority.

PTA authority is found in our: ◦ Convention resolutions adopted by California State PTA

convention delegates ◦ The legislation platform principles and planks ◦ Position statements and resolutions adopted by the California

State PTA Board of Managers ◦ National PTA convention resolutions ◦ National PTA Board of Directors position statements and

legislative directives ◦ Previous PTA action on the issues ◦ (Toolkit 4.2.2b)

Do research – cite reliable/credible sources

Understand the facts

Find stories that support your position

Examine both pros and cons

Encourage communication among various groups

Share information and resources

Provide solutions to identified problems

Develop talking points:

Present facts clearly

Focus on the, who, what, when, where, and how

Aim for THREE specific points

Align your message with PTA policies/positions

Empower members to be confident

How will you educate your local PTA members and other community members?

Are there non-PTA members who can influence the decision makers?

Are there community groups who share the concern?

How do you want other groups to help you persuade your identified decision makers?

How will you ensure a consistent message is communicated?

Transportation to and from school is being cut

Educate yourself

How this will impact children /community

PTA supported Safe Routes to School (SRTS)

Legislation

Three main points of Safe Routes to School

◦ Engineering

◦ Enforcement

◦ Education

PTA supports SRTS

There is grant money

available

Walking to school can

help reduce childhood

obesity

SRTS programs make

city streets safer

No money in city

budgets

Streets are safe already

Not a priority

May not receive grant

School / City

relationship

School personnel (the principal and teachers)

The PTA

Parents

Students

Elected officials

Engineers

Police officers

City and/or county planners

Health officials

Nonprofit organizations

Business and community leaders

Make sure they are simple and consistent

Identify the Problem o Pedestrian accidents are the second leading cause of fatal

injuries among 5-12 year olds statewide; bicycle crashes are fifth. (California Department of Health Services) Our most vulnerable citizens are at risk – our children and our seniors.

Propose a Solution o We want to ensure that our streets are safe for all citizens in our

community! We need to improve XX intersection. Law enforcement will be needed to support this.

Call to Action – Cite Endorsements o We want to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens are safe when

walking and riding their bikes in our community. That’s why PTA (and identified allies) support these traffic safety improvements.

Local City Council Members

City Staff (in charge of traffic management)

School Board (if property is District-owned)

PTA Members/Parents

Student Groups

Local Youth or Civic Organizations

Public Safety Officials

Your district’s elementary school music program is

in jeopardy due to budget constraints.

Your school district is in need of a school resource

officer at your middle/high school. Schools and

cities may work together to provide this sort of

personnel.

Or choose your own advocacy issue.

Donna Artukovic, Education Advocate

California State PTA

dartukovic@capta.org

Dianna MacDonald, Family Engagement Advocate

dmacdonald@capta.org

2014 California State PTA Convention 1 Workshop C-8 Effective Child Advocacy at the Local Level

2327 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 916.440.1985 FAX: 916.440.1986

Email: info@capta.org www.capta.org

Effective Child Advocacy at the Local Level

Instructions for Interactive Session

1. Choose which challenge to tackle.

Organize an advocacy effort to protect elementary school music program. or

Organize an advocacy effort to hire a Safety Resource Officer for your middle/high school. or

Organize a local advocacy campaign around a pressing issue in one of your table-mate’s communities.

2. Get to work.

Identify your target audience(s) (e.g. voters, legislators, school board members, city council members, etc.). Who are the decision-makers on this issue?

Which, if any, potential ally organizations could assist?

What are your key talking points? Include a slogan if you can.

How will you reach your target audience(s)? What kinds of communications might you use?

Is there a high profile event as part of your plan? If so, how would you organize it?

3. Choose a representative to give a brief (verbal) report with us on your group’s work at the conclusion of this session.

Workshop C- 8 California State PTA Convention 2014 1