Parents Nationwide Meet with Lawmakers as Part of PTA Advocacy Week
Take action for children through grassroots effort
CHICAGO (February 19, 2007)—For decades parents and other child advocates have taken action for children through PTA's advocacy efforts. This week, PTA continues its legacy of being a prominent voice for children when parents across the country organize to meet with federal, state, and local leaders during PTA Advocacy Week (February 19 - 23).
During PTA Advocacy Week, parents and families will contact their members of Congress who will be in their home districts that week and local decision makers to tell them that children and education should be their highest priorities.
"Historically, the power of millions of PTA member voices calls attention to important issues. Our members are leveraging that strength for the benefit of our country's future that is our children. PTA Advocacy Week gives parents a time to meet with their elected officials and speak for children, as well as continue the PTA legacy," said Anna Weselak, PTA national president.
Whether it was the "National School Lunch Act in 1946;" the "Local Public Health Services Act of 1948;" the "National Child Nutrition Act in 1966;" or more recently the parent involvement provisions in the "No Child Left Behind Act in 2002," PTA has always championed education legislation for children.
Anyone can plan or be part of a PTA Advocacy Week event. The PTA national office offers tips and tools on how to be an effective advocate on its website, www.pta.org. In fact, all state, district, and council PTA leaders received an advocacy toolkit on CD-ROM to prepare for this special week. It included information on PTA's national positions, as well as tips on working with media, setting up meetings with elected representatives, and engaging members in advocacy efforts.
To find out about events going on in your area, contact your state PTA office or the PTA national office at 312-670-6782.
About PTA PTA comprises nearly 6 million parents and other concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that prides itself on being a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned with the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
