1. Speaking Out for All Children
Objectives for this workshop
PTA Mission
Learn definition on advocacy
Ways to influence policy
Do and Don’ts of Lobbying
Checklist for Phone Lobbying
Tips for Letter Writing
Using the Media

2. PTA Mission
To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in schools, in the community, and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children
To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children
To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of this nation

3. What is Advocacy
PTA defines advocacy as supporting and speaking up for children—in schools, in communities, and before legislative bodies and other organization that make decisions affecting children.
A child advocate works with policy makers at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure sound polices that promote the health and well-being and education of all children.

4. Ways for PTA leaders and members to influence policy:
Join PTA Takes Action Network to keep up on federal policies and respond to Congressional action alerts
Join Kentucky Legislative network to keep inform and take action on state issues
Educate members of Congress and their staff on PTA’s federal public policy priorities
Know who your state legislators are and make contact with them

5. Ways for PTA leaders and members to influence policy Cont:
Serve on school boards or attend board meetings
Work with schools to develop parent involvement policies
Attend a school district meeting about school choices, taxes or budget cuts
Write a letter to the editor about the importance of parent involvement in children’s education and in schools

6. What is Politics
Politics is the process people in authority use to make policy and decide who gets what, where, and when without resorting to physical violence.

7. Lobbying The Do List Make a personal contact Be specific and informed
Be positive, courteous and considerate of their time
Relate your request to your situation
Know your facts and do your homework

8. Lobbying The Do List Cont.
Use the bill number and title when applicable
Mention the number of people you represent.
Present an appropriate business-like appearance
Be professional

9. Lobbying The Do List Cont.
Be brief, concise and accurate
Express thanks for their time

10. Lobbying The Don’t List
Contact as an adversary
Be demanding
Make threats
Apply pressure
Send a form letter
Call after 9:30 p.m.
Be unfair or dishonest
Show anger
Show off
Be rude or belligerent

11. Checklist for Phone Lobbying
Be knowledgeable and brief
Target main and local office
Write down your speaking points before your call
Keep a record of what was said

12. Tips for Letter Writing
Be clear and concise
Explaining why the issue is important to you and your community of your school
If in a hurry, fax it!

13. Using the Media, PTA can:
Generate interest in your issue or campaign;
Educate the public and media;
Force decision makers to take positions

14. Access to the Media is Access to the Public
Stories can be shaped by information PTA provides
Shows decision makers and the community how national and state issues have local impact

15. Target the Editorial Pages
Decision makers & politicians look to news people to gauge local public opinion
“Letters to the Editor” section is the most widely read portion of the newspaper

16. Legislative Information
PTA Public Policy Agenda: PTA.org/public_policy_agenda.asp
PTA Takes Action Network: PTA.org/advocacy
PTA Takes Action Online Advocacy Toolkit: PTA.org/take_action.asp

17. Contact Information
Kentucky PTA, ;