The 2011-2012 Legislative Priorities for Georgia PTA have been approved and posted to the website. Priorities form the basis of Georgia PTA’s efforts with the Georgia General Assembly and Congress. Georgia PTA monitors all legislation and policy issues affecting children and youth, including K-12 education, postsecondary education, Pre-K, child health and safety, gun safety, teen driving and underage drinking. Our priorities receive most of our attention; however, Georgia PTA responds to any legislation covered by our position statements.
THE TRADITION CONTINUES….
Throughout its history of over 100 years, PTA has advocated for numerous issues ranging from child labor laws (1900s), automobile and school bus safety (1930s), the national school lunch program (1940s), field testing the polio vaccine (1950s), toy safety (1960s), opposing violence on television (1970s), HIV/AIDS education (1980s) to developing National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement programs (1990s). These issues represent only a small sampling of the advocacy efforts of PTA. Volunteers continue to use their time, energy, experience and knowledge to bring about changes in laws, policies and programs for the benefit of all children.
The reason PTA was founded is still relevant today…children need us. We urge you to join other PTA members throughout Georgia as we continue the work begun by our founders over 100 years ago. Lend your voice to our voice – collectively we can make an immeasurable difference for all children.
Learn more about your association’s rich history of advocacy by watching the short video “A Legacy in Leadership”.
Every PTA member can be an effective advocate, whether you are a working parent, stay-at-home parent, grandparent, guardian, aunt or uncle, teacher, etc. The process is always the same: (1) identify, research and understand the issue; (2) identify, research and understand the decision-maker; and (3) develop and communicate the message. The process is not always easy, and dedication and perseverance are usually required. Sometimes success is achieved quickly, sometimes slowly. Be persistent – our children deserve nothing less!
Next, go to Capitol Watch (http://www.georgiapta.org/issues-capitol-watch.html) an online resource which enables stakeholders to be informed about the political news in Georgia and gives opportunities and guidance for becoming involved in the political process. If you would like to become more involved in local, state or national legislation and advocacy efforts or have questions, please Email East Side’s Legislative Committee at LegislationandAdvocacy@eastsideelementary.com.
