Advocacy
Did you know that PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy organization in the country? Since inception in 1905, PTA has been a driving force behind the creation of kindergarten, hot lunch programs, early education, and so much more. PTA advocates on behalf of all children on the important issues impacting education, health, and safety.
PTA Advocacy can be as simple as being informed on the issues or can be expanded to include attending and speaking at school board meetings, sending letters and meeting with your legislators, attending the PTA Focus Day Rally, or testifying in front of the state legislature to put a face on important issues.
Advocacy is central to the work we do - even at the local level!
Save the Date: WSPTA Legislative Assembly
October 26 & October 27, 2024 at Seattle Pacific University
Delegates will meet in person to discuss, debate, and vote on new issues and resolutions, including the adoption of WSPTA’s 2024-2026 Legislative Platform and Top Five Issues. Students are encouraged to attend!
Interested in learning more and possibly attending Legislative Assembly with ILHS PTSA? Contact Holly, ILHS PTSA Advocacy Chair at advocacy@ilhsptsa.org for more information.
Local Advocacy Representatives 2024-2025
ILHS PTSA Advocacy Chair: Holly Muenchow
Northshore Council PTSA Co-VPs of Advocacy: Terra Droney & Holly Muenchow
Region 6 Advocacy: OPEN
Washington State PTA Advocacy Director: OPEN
National PTA Vice President of Advocacy: Rose Acerra
Find Your State Representatives (elected officials):
https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/
2024 Focus on Advocacy Day in Olympia
WSPTA Legislative Priorities
The WSPTA 2023-2024 Legislative Priorities are a two-year platform to mirror the Washington state legislative cycle. In October of even-numbered years, all new legislative issues are adopted by delegates at the legislative assembly. Delegates also vote on their top five issues, which become WSPTA’s primary focus when advocating throughout the next two years. The other issues are placed on an “also supported” list.
During the odd-numbered years, delegates vote to amend current issues or to add new, emerging issues to the also supported list. Each issue has a corresponding handout located in the dropdown that can be downloaded and used when advocating.
Top 5 Legislative Priorities for 2023-2024
Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis
Addressing Critical Gaps in Education Funding
Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide
Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education
Building and Maintaining Safer School Facilities
Northshore School District School Board Meetings
School Board meetings are usually held on the second Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m. and the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. Click here for School Board meeting schedule and info about how to attend a meeting in person or virtually.
Click here for Past meetings and documents.
Note: All School Board Meetings can be watched live on the District's YouTube page.
Advocacy Links
Please see the following helpful advocacy links:
Northshore Council PTSA 6.10 Advocacy
Washington State PTA Advocacy Site
National PTA Advocacy Site
National PTA Advocacy Toolkit
Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Chris Reykdal, Superintendent (elected position)
Ask OSPI a question
Voter Information
Are you registered for the next election? Register to vote (or update your voter registration) with the Washington Secretary of State.
Find current election information
Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day. Register to vote in person during business hours and any time before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Did you know that if you are 16 you can sign up now to be automatically registered to vote when you become eligible?
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