Why We Advocate
Advocacy is at the heart of the PTA mission! The role of advocacy within MCE PTA is ensuring that our children’s needs are being met by our systems. Did you know that the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) was formed on the basis of Advocacy?
The National PTA (est. 1897), Washington State PTA (WSPTA, est. 1905), and Mill Creek Elementary PTA (MCEPTA, est. 1988) have been a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Advocacy is our most significant opportunity to positively impact our community and its future. To create a better world for our children, have a seat at the table where decisions about children and youth are being made, and support those students who need someone to speak for them. Advocacy gives voice to the needs of all families.
Advocacy Update
WSPTA held its 46th annual Legislative Assembly on October 26-27. This year, over 110 delegates attended the in-person event, where they listened to educational videos regarding the proposed issues, participated in caucus sessions, and attended training and panel discussions. The event was packed with great speakers and panels, including state legislators, school board members, superintendents, and other leaders in K-12 education.
There were seven issues proposed at the legislative assembly. All seven issues were adopted. WSPTA members from across the state then voted for the Top 5 list. The remaining two issues will be put in the “also supported” category. Delegates also adopted three new resolutions and one amended resolution.
WSPTA 2024-26 — Top 5 Legislative Properties
- Closing the Funding Gaps
- Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis
- Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education
- Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide
- Expanding School Construction Funding Options
Focus on Advocacy
Your voice matters!
We need your stories, we need your voice, and we need you! Help make PTA’s grassroots advocacy a success by connecting with legislators about our priorities during Focus Day and Focus on Advocacy Week.
Focus on Advocacy Week is scheduled for February 6-10, 2023. During this week, members can participate in daily calls to actions. Subscribe to WSPTA Action Network
Focus Day will be February 20, 2023, in Olympia and members are encouraged to meet with their legislators about our 2023-2024 Legislative Priorities. Use the resources in the toolkit below to make appointments and plan successful meetings.
Advocacy is not a one-day event; it is an everyday action. And so, we encourage members to continue to stay informed and engaged throughout the year, keeping our efforts focused on the mission. #WSPTAOneVoice
Advocacy Contact Information
MCE PTA Advocacy co-chairs: Arianne McDonald
Everett PTSA Council Advocacy Chair:
Region 7 Legislative Chair: OPEN POSITION
WSPTA Advocacy Director: Samantha Fogg
Important Advocacy Links
Everett Public Schools
Website: Everett Public Schools / Homepage (everettsd.org)
School Board: School Board / Overview (everettsd.org)
Free and Reduced Meal Application: Menus / Menus (everettsd.org)
Policies and Procedures: District Policies and Procedures (everett.k12.wa.us)
Washington State PTA
Advocacy Webpage: Advocacy (wastatepta.org)
Sign up for Action Alerts: Subscribe to WSPTA’s Action Network Group – Action Network
Advocacy and Legislative Resources: Advocacy & Legislative Resources (wastatepta.org)
WSPTA Blog: WSPTA Blog (wastatepta.org)
Legislative/Advocacy News: Advocacy Archives – WSPTA (wastatepta.org)
Focus on Advocacy Webpage: Focus on Advocacy (wastatepta.org)
Everett PTSA Council (serving all Everett local PTAs): Everett PTSA Council 7.3 – Proudly serving the schools of the Everett School District – Home
WSPTA Region 7 Facebook: (1) Washington State PTA – Region 7 | Facebook
National PTA
Advocacy Webpage: Advocacy | National PTA
Advocacy Toolkit: Toolkit – Resources – Advocacy | National PTA
Other
Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI): OSPI (www.k12.wa.us)
Education Ombuds: Home | Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds
Register to Vote: Register to Vote in Washington State – Elections & Voting – WA Secretary of State
Citizen’s Guide to Effective Legislative Participation: Washington State Legislature Guide to Effective Participation