Advocacy 2021-22
Learn about WSPTA's legislative priorities and other supported issues and find out more ways to get involved on the Take Action page. This advocacy work is directed by WSPTA's member-approved resolutions, principles, and legislative platform. In 2021 WSPTA introduced Focus on Advocacy program.
During the Washington state legislative session, WSPTA will send action alerts and informational broadcasts to WSPTA members who have subscribed to WSPTA’s Action Network Group. These action alerts are quick, easy ways to communicate with your legislators on topics they are actively working on.
To learn more about WSPTA’s effectiveness in advocating, end of session reports are located on the Advocacy & Legislative Resources page.
Advocacy Submission Process is OPEN
[Be the change] with grassroots advocacy
Any PTA member is encouraged to submit an issue, resolution, or legislative principle that addresses concerns that affect children on a state-wide level. As a grassroots association, we rely on our members to provide the priorities that we will advocate for at the state level and within our communities. Learn more about our legislative priorities here and the history of our advocacy efforts here.
The submission process is now open. Please see complete instructions and deadlines for submitting at the bottom of the following pages:
Legislative issue submission information
Legislative principle submission information
Resolution submission information
PTA Advocacy is Year-Round!
[Be the change] through advocacy
Advocacy is at the heart of the PTA mission! Does advocacy happen in Olympia when the legislature is in session? Yes! But that is not the only time or place because PTA advocacy is year-round. Advocacy is our most significant opportunity to positively impact our community and its future. To create a better world for our children, have a seat at the table where decisions about children and youth are being made, and support those students who need someone to speak for them. Advocacy gives voice to the needs of all families.
Read the full blog post with tips and ideas for expanding your advocacy efforts here.
2022 State Legislative Session Debrief
[Be the change] through advocacy
Join us on April 26 at 7:00 pm to hear from WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan, as she recaps the 2022 legislative session, focusing on our grassroots platform's impact on legislation.
She will also provide a look at bills that didn’t pass that might make good positions for our Fall Legislative Assembly. The evening will round out with your questions and answers.
A zoom link will be sent to registrants closer to the session date. Register here.
Legislative Platform
The Washington State PTA legislative platform is a two-year platform to mirror the Washington state legislative cycle. On the even-numbered years, the new platform is voted on by members at the legislative assembly in the fall. The top five issues become WSPTA's short-term platform and consist of priority issues when advocating throughout the year. Other issues are placed on an “also supported” list. During the odd-numbered years, members 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. A full playlist of issue education videos is also available on the WSPTA YouTube channel.
Top 5 WSPTA Legislative Priorities for 2020-2022
Increase Access to Nursing, Mental Health, and Social Emotional Learning Staff
Support Students and Preserve Education Funding
Increasing Educational Equity by Closing the Digital Divide
Supports and Funding for Students with Disabilities and Their Families
Prevent and Reduce Gun Violence and Suicide
2020-2022 WSPTA Supported Issues
Equitable Identification and Services for Highly Capable Students
Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change
Safe School Plans and Emergency Preparedness
WSPTA Legislative Assembly
The 43rd Annual Legislative Assembly took place in a virtual format on October 23-24, 2021.
The planning for the 44th Annual Legislative Assembly is currently underway for selecting the new platform for 2023-24 legislative sessions. Also, WSPTA is accepting submissions on the issues that are important to you and your community in early spring. Stay tuned for more information regarding the date and format for next year’s event.
Contact Information
For more information, send email to:
Lake Washington PTSA at advocacy@lwptsa.net
WSPTA Advocacy Director at ptalegdir@wastatepta.org
National PTA at info.legislationcommittee@pta.org
Credits: Source of Information
