Legislative/Advocacy

The legislative/advocacy chair plays a vital role in advancing the mission of PTA by focusing on advocating for every child’s potential. As the second-largest child advocacy association in the nation and the largest in Texas, Texas PTA relies on the leadership and vision of advocacy chairs to drive meaningful change at the local, state, and national levels.

Advocacy chairs work with PTA leaders to integrate advocacy initiatives into membership drives and PTA programs, creating opportunities to connect families and schools while strengthening bonds within the community.

Advocacy History of PTA

National PTA is the largest child advocacy association in the nation. Advocacy has been an essential 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. Some of our issues include:

Abolition of the public drinking cup
Creation of vaccination requirements
Creation of birth certificates
Increased anaphylaxis preparedness and EPI pens on public school campuses
Creation of public kindergarten
Creation of school lunch program
Including school supplies in the annual tax-free holiday
School zone speed law
Requirement of seat belts for all children ages 4-15 in passenger vehicles
Requirement of city buses used to transport school children to display a caution sign and blinking lights
Allowing jury service for women

Duties at a Glance

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 executive board and membership 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.