PTA Road to Advocacy

​Summer Advocacy Meetup
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 @ 4 PM
Bothell Landing Park

Open to the Community! We invite you to join us at our summer advocacy meetup. Together we can make a difference. 

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Email Co-VPs of Advocacy for questions or more information. 

​The journey over the past year, marked by tireless advocacy and leadership within PTA, the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the nation, has been remarkable. Together, the Northshore community has worked diligently to ensure the well-being and education of all children.

Challenges and Triumphs
The road to advocacy is rarely smooth, and this year was no exception. One of the most significant challenges faced was the need for increased school funding in Washington state. Despite this obstacle, the community's  focus on progress led to notable achievements through advocacy partnerships. Among these were the retention of the 7-period day in Northshore high schools, increased pay and support for paraeducators, enhanced access to mental health resources, and a reduction in the special education funding gap. Additionally, the passage of laws aimed at reducing gun violence and suicide, along with other policies, contributed to the education and well-being of all children.

Focus Day 2024

​Key Advocacy Milestones
Throughout the year, Northshore PTA advocates made significant strides on their road to advocacy. Key events included:

• Legislative Assembly (October): Advocates gathered to push for improvements in PTA resolutions and priorities.
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• Focus Day (January): A coalition of parents, students, educators, and school board members traveled to Olympia to meet with representatives.
  
  
• Community Partnerships: Continuous efforts to build partnerships with administrators, school board members, local PTA leaders, student leaders, and policymakers like the Governor’s Education Policy Office.
  
  
• Voter Education and Student Advocacy
  ​​Voter education was a critical component of this year's advocacy efforts. Leading up to the November election, the community facilitated opportunities to meet school board candidates, provided resources on voter registration, and organized a candidate forum to discuss important issues.
  
  The advocacy efforts of student advocates were particularly noteworthy. Across the district, students used their voices to drive change. From speaking at school board meetings and writing to legislators to creating clubs and resources for peer involvement, their contributions were invaluable. Notably, the Innovation Lab High School Climate Action Club brought forth a resolution on Washington State declaring the climate emergency, which was endorsed by the Northshore Council.

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Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the advocacy journey, it is clear that the work is far from over. The road to advocacy is long, but with the continued support and efforts of the community, further progress can be made. The focus remains on increasing state funding to reduce budget shortfalls and avoid future cuts, ensuring that Washington state fulfills its paramount duty: education.
 
Gratitude and admiration extend to everyone for their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to ensuring excellent education for all children in local schools and beyond. As the journey continues, the Northshore community stands united in its advocacy, ready to navigate and overcome any challenges that lie ahead.

Take Action!

Attend Council's Summer Advocacy Meetup

• Tuesday, August 20, 2024 | 4 PM | Bothell Landing Park

​​Register to Vote / Host a Voter Registration Drive

• ​Check your registration info at VoteWA.gov.
• Online: Register at VoteWA.gov
• By mail: Request a paper form be mailed to you or print your own at sos.wa.gov/elections
• No internet access? Call 1 (800) 448-4881
• In person: Visit a county elections office

​Election Information

• King County Election Information: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/elections.aspx
• Snohomish County Election Information: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/224/Elections-Voter-Registration
• WA Secretary of State: ​https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections

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Write Your Legislators

• Find Your State Representative/Senator
  Not sure who your state senator or representatives are?  Washington State's website has a handy Find Your Legislator tool.  Just type in your address and click on the "Find My District" tab.

Attend a School Board Meeting

• Northshore School Board Meetings - Can't make a meeting? You can stream the meetings and find board materials online to keep up to date on what's happening in our district. Use your voice to speak up for kids. The School Board does want your input!

Be a PTA Advocate! 

• Connect with Council's Co-VPs of Advocacy. There will be opportunities to meet in person and online. 
• Volunteer to be an Advocacy chair on your local PTA.
• Attend WSPTA's 2024 Legislative Assembly and help set the priorities for next year's Legislative session. 
• Participate in WSPTA's Focus on Advocacy Week in 2025.