2. Making Change Through PTA Resolutions Presented by National PTA Resolutions Committee

3. Debbie Tidwell (OH), Chairperson Scott Allen (WA) Marion Akins (VA) Marques A. Ivey (CO) Yvonne Johnson (DE) Maxine Lewers (FL) Virginia Mott (ME) Alison Turner (NV) Jessica Wong-Sumida (HI)

4. What Is a Resolution? A statement about the will or intent of the association Addresses a problem, situation, or concern Is a call to action Outlines action via a formal statement Takes the form of a motion submitted in writing Is adopted by a vote of the membership at an annual meeting

5. What Purpose do Resolutions Serve? Resolutions are one segment of PTA advocacy work. Resolutions provide direction for advocacy and carry the weight of the delegates behind them to direct and inform our efforts on behalf of children, families and schools. Resolutions, along with Position Statements, serve an important purpose in formalizing and focusing the positions of the organization on various important and relevant issues. There is a direct link from resolutions to advocacy!

6. Resolution vs. Position Statement? A resolution – once approved by National PTA’s Resolutions Committee, Government Affairs department, legal counsel and the Board of Directors – moves onto the Convention floor for a delegate vote. A position statement – once approved by National PTA’s Legislative Committee, Government Affairs department, legal counsel and the Board of Directors – becomes the official position of the association.

7. Resolutions Information PTA.org Advocacy Resolutions & Position Statements

8. Resolutions Information

9. Examples of PTA Resolutions Resolution on Preventing Solicitation of Adult Products to Minors Resolution on Inclusive Schools Build Stronger Communities Resolution Against Bullying Resolution on After-School Programs Resolution on Automated External Defibrillators Resolution on the Ban on the Manufacturer and Sale of Saturday Night Special Junk Guns

10. Resolutions Toolkit

11. What Form Does a Resolution Take? Why ? Whereas – the “Why?” statements – describe the issue, show the reason for the resolution, and provide information – Each requires background material and rationale – Each requires three background primary references from three sources Resolved – the call(s) for action – the main motion – Direct(s) the PTA to act – State the action(s) needed by PTA to help solve the problem

12. Why Submit a Resolution? Resolutions call for action by National PTA or its constituent bodies (state, district, council or local units). National PTA resolutions seek to address problems, situations or concerns that affect children and youth nationwide and that require nationwide action for solution.

13. Who Submits Resolutions? Local, council, district/region or state PTAs, the National PTA Board of Directors or committees may submit resolutions. Criteria for resolutions to be considered at the convention is the same for all PTA bodies.

14. National PTA Resolution Process 1.Identify the Issue 2.Research the Issue 3.Draft the Resolution 4.Submit the Resolution 5.Review of Proposed Resolutions 6.Support for Adopted Resolutions

15. Identify the Issue What is the concern? Is this a local, state or national issue? What action do you want taken? Does this issue meet the submission criteria?

16. Research the Issue Check for existing resolutions, positions and laws Check websites: National PTA, State PTA, and federal, state, county & local governments Consult with National PTA Resolutions Committee Liaison for your state

17. Draft the Resolution Develop a concise statement of the issue and initial research Create a committee to take the resolution to the next step – narrative summary Consult with your National PTA Resolutions Committee Liaison and the National PTA website for resources, forms, and guidelines

18. Submit the Resolution Ask for advice/assistance from a Resolutions Chair at any level, as well as your National PTA Resolutions Liaison Work with chair or committee to finalize wording, if necessary Submit to the state or National PTA Meet established deadlines

19. Review of Proposed Resolutions National PTA Resolutions Committee reviews proposed resolutions for scope, clarity, and completeness. National PTA staff and attorney review proposed resolutions through public policy and legal lenses. National PTA Board of Directors reviews and determines the disposition of each proposed resolution. Convention delegates vote on each proposed resolution approved by the Board of Directors to go to delegates on the convention floor.

20. Support for Adopted Resolutions National PTA 54 Congresses – States, Territories, and U.S. Dept. of Defense Schools Regional and Council PTAs Local PTAs

21. Substantive Criteria A resolution must: Relate to the education, health, safety or welfare of children and youth, or parental education and involvement of parents. Be in harmony with the purposes and the basic policies of National PTA, as stated in the national bylaws and bylaws of every constituent organization of National PTA.

22. Substantive Criteria All resolutions should: Concern a matter that is national in scope, written with a national focus, and requiring nationwide action for solution. Demonstrate the issue is national in scope through appropriate background materials. State a position not previously adopted by National PTA.

23. Substantive Criteria A resolution must: Include “Whereas” statements that do not cite the Purposes or Position Statements of National PTA. Provide three background references from different sources for each “Whereas” statement.

24. Substantive Criteria A resolution must: Cite a variety of independent sources which are required to substantiate the position. Use references that are bracketed and numbered for cross- reference purposes in the background material, indicating which “Whereas” statement each supports.

25. Substantive Criteria A resolution must: Cite materials that are current (published no more than six years ago). Not use PTA materials as documentation.

26. Background Material A submitted resolution must: Contain background materials that are factual and verifiable Include primary source: – Include on each page the author, title, publisher and date for each source – Online sources should include the URL.

27. Formatting Criteria You can request a sample resolution at resolutions@pta.org.resolutions@pta.org The Resolutions Toolkit contains detailed information, including: - descriptions of the checklist - cover sheet - table of contents - reference sheet -background information no older than six years and no more than 25 double-sided or 50 single-sided pages.

28. Deadlines Proposed resolutions must be submitted in both PDF and WORD format. All resolutions must be received in their entirety at resolutions@pta.org no later than 11:59 PM EST, November 1st of the previous year to be considered at the following National Convention ( e.g. Nov 1, 2016 for the 2017 Convention). resolutions@pta.org The deadline will not be modified.

29. Other Requirements Early submission is encouraged. Your committee liaison is available to work with you so that your submission can be made before the deadline. Faxed submissions will not be accepted.

30. Approval of Resolutions After a resolution has been submitted to National PTA, the Resolutions Committee conducts a review for submission criteria. The resolution is assigned to a committee team to review for accuracy, substantiation, and coordination of any needed changes. The full resolutions committee discusses and votes on whether or not to recommend a resolution to the Board of Directors for review based on measured criteria.

31. Convention Resolutions approved by the Board of Directors are sent to the delegates at convention for consideration. Please note it is imperative to have someone there to defend the resolution. There could be some debate. The resolution will then be put to a vote and, if approved by the body of the convention, it is adopted as a resolution of National PTA.

32. After the Resolution is Adopted Once approved by the convention delegates, the resolution is posted on the National PTA website: PTA.org These resolutions promote essential policies and possibly legislation to protect our children and school communities. Resolutions are only one method to drive the advocacy of our organization.

33. Summary Please pay attention to deadlines. All resolutions must be received by November 1 st annually for Resolutions Committee review and the approval process in order to be eligible for the following year’s convention. How can you familiarize yourself with the process? Take an e-learning course Contact your liaison on the Resolutions Committee Use the tools and resources at www.pta.orgwww.pta.org

34. Questions????

35. Thanks For Attending! Our next General Session will resume tomorrow @ 10:00 a.m.