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 Focus on Advocacy Day
February 17, 2025 in Olympia
Focus Day will be Monday, February 17, 2025 in Olympia and members are encouraged to meet with their legislators about our 2025-2026 Legislative Priorities. We hope you can join us for a great day of advocacy and connection! Students are encouraged to attend!
Interested in learning more and attending Focus Day with ILHS PTSA? Contact Holly, ILHS PTSA Advocacy Chair at advocacy@ilhsptsa.org for more information.
Join the Movement: Advocacy in Action!
Are you ready to spark some meaningful change? Whether you're passionate about education reform or eager to foster greater engagement and representation in Northshore, this is your space to share, listen, and lead -- as much or as little as your heart desires!
Register Now!
Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 8pm on Zoom!
More information can be found on the Northshore Council PTSA blog.
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 2025-2026 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.
WSPTA Legislative Assembly was held on October 26 & October 27, 2024 at Seattle Pacific University. PTA delegates from all over the state if WA met 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!
Top 5 Legislative Priorities for 2025-2026
Closing the Funding Gaps
Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis
Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education
Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide
Expanding School Construction Funding Options
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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