Advocacy Information

Advocacy is a major objective of PTAs. PTA defines advocacy as the act of mobilizing individuals and local PTAs to work with State and National PTAs to spark changes in programs and policies that benefit children. The table below demonstrates some ways to advocate for children. It is critical to remember that without accurate information, it is impossible to advocate.

Staying informed	Local action	State and National Action
Read newspapers and magazines	Vote on school budgets, school boards, town representatives	At legislative events, speak up about your opinions
Attend school board meetings	Speak with teachers, principals, and superintendents about issues and concerns	Develop letter writing campaigns
Read school, district and classroom newsletters	Write letters to the editor of local newspapers	Call or fax the office of local representatives
Attend town, city, and county board meetings	Work on a PTA function that is designed to benefit children	Vote for state and national representatives
Attend legislative events such as town meetings and brunches to get to know your representatives	Attend parent-teacher conferences and open houses	Become a PTA member
Visit the state and national PTA website and read PTA newsletters	Develop relationships with local media to share information about issues related to children	Participate in government marches or legislative events
Attend PTA meetings	Work with local businesses and other organizations to create opportunities to benefit children	Sign petitions