Advocacy 101

Fulfilling our mission as advocates for children

Part of the National PTA’s threefold mission is to speak on behalf of all children and youth before governmental bodies and other organizations. These advocacy and lobbying measures include mobilizing individuals, local and state units to work with the National PTA in molding specific government programs, policies, and priorities.

In order to maintain a nonprofit status under federal rules, the National PTA is nonpartisan and works to direct its efforts at members of both political parties in order to enact change. When PTA officers or lobbyists participate in legislative activities that educate lawmakers about officially adopted PTA positions, or support a particular piece of legislation that is in agreement with the PTA Legislative Program, it is done on a strictly nonpartisan basis.

A nonprofit organization, like the PTA, is considered to be engaging in lobbying efforts if it either contacts or urges the public to contact lawmakers for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation. The amount of money the National PTA can use for these purposes is also strictly regulated under the federal non-profit status rules.