Advocacy

 PTA is the oldest and largest volunteer child advocacy association in the United States. Founded in 1897, PTA has a long, successful history of influencing federal policy to promote the education, health and well-being of all children. Advocacy has been an important part of PTA for over 100 years. From the beginning, PTA leaders have been focused on giving our children the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education.  

• The Abolition of the Public Drinking Cup    
• Vaccination Requirements 
• Child Labor laws       
• Creation of Kindergarten classes
• School Lunch programs 
• Construction standards for school buildings
• Jury service for women
• Juvenile Justice System
• Strengthened parent-teacher relationships
• Funding of school-based health clinics
• Limiting access of children to tobacco and alcohol products
• Including school supplies to the annual tax-free holiday
• Requirement of site-based decision making committees on all campuses 
• The restriction of children riding as cargo in the back of pickup trucks 
• Statewide safety standards for playgrounds
• Graduated Driver’s Licenses for Teenagers
• Reduction in the number of End-of-Course Exams required to graduate 

Legislative Positions, Resolutions and Legislative Priorities. 

Subscribe to Texas PTA's Under the Dome newsletter to receive advocacy-related communications. Sign up for Texas PTA newsletters at txpta.org/newsroom.

Sign up for Texas PTA Action Alerts at txpta.org/take-action.

•  Identify policy issues of interest to your PTA membership and monitor through local and national media, school district policies, school board meetings, and PTA resources.
• Advocate for policies aligned with Texas PTA's Legislative Priorities.
• Present legislative reports at all membership and board meetings.
• Provide members with contact information for elected officials, while sharing action alerts and encouraging participation.
• Meet with elected officials at least annually.
• Network with PTA Advocacy Leaders in your community to collaborate on common goals.
• Promote and participate in Texas PTA’s bi-annual Rally Day and Straight Talk events.

 Texas PTA

• Texas PTA Advocacy Homepage
• Texas PTA BASICS: Advocacy Webinar
• Texas PTAFOUNDATIONS training
• Advocacy Resource Guide
• Advocacy Quick Start Guide
• Advocacy Tool Kit

National PTA

• Advocacy page