The advocacy work of Washington State PTA is directed by our member-approved resolutions , principles, and legislative platform.
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 our short-term platform and consist of our 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.
2017 Top Five Platform
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Amply Fund Basic Education
- Closing the Opportunity Gap
- Standards for Para-educators
- Breakfast after the Bell
How to Submit a Legislative Issue Proposal
Any PTA member is encouraged to submit an issue that addresses concerns that affect children on a state-wide level.
Timing
- Submitter name and contact information, issue title and short description due May 1
- Complete issue submittal due June 1
Issue Submitters’ Requirements:
- Must be a current Washington State PTA member
- Submit a completed Legislative Issue Proposal Form online by the dates above and include all links/references so the information is verifiable. You can preview the form to help prepare, and you can save your work and return to finish when ready.
- Be available by email and phone to work with the legislative committee member assigned to review your issue to provide clarification where needed
- Be available during the legislative committee meeting to answer questions on the issue
- In the case where one or more issues submitted are of similar scope, work with others to combine issues
- All who submit an issue selected to move forward must sign a Code of Conduct
The legislative committee will review the issues and make recommendations to the board of directors at its summer board meeting. A legislative committee member will work with you during this time if additional information is required. Following the board meeting, you will be notified if your issue will be forwarded to the members at legislative assembly.
Resolutions
Resolutions guide our advocacy work from the local to the state level. They may be amended and updated, or retired, and are usually broader in scope than legislative issues. WSPTA resolutions provide support on issues that are not currently covered by National PTA. WSPTA resolutions may not conflict with National PTA resolutions.
Resolutions List Categories
- Alcohol and Drugs
- Child Safety and Protection
- Cooperative Role of Parents and Educators
- Cultural Arts
- Health and Nutrition
- Mass Media
- Support for Public Education
- Legislative Program
How to Submit a Resolution Proposal
Any PTA member is encouraged to submit a resolution that addresses concerns that affect children on a state-wide level.
Timing
- Submitter name and contact information, resolution topic and title due May 1
- Complete submittal due June 1
- Note: Submittal deadlines for resolution consideration at convention will be announced in the fall but typically occur in November.
Resolution Submitter Requirements:
- Must be a current Washington State PTA member
- Submit a completed Resolution Proposal form online by the deadlines above and include all links/references so the information is verifiable. You can preview the form to help prepare, and you can save your work and return to finish when ready.
- Be available by email and phone to work with the resolutions or legislative committee member assigned to review your issue to provide clarification where needed
- Be available during the resolutions or legislative committee meeting to answer questions on the resolution
- In the case where one or more resolutions submitted are of similar scope, work with others to combine resolutions
- All resolution submitters whose resolution is selected to move forward must sign a Code of Conduct
The resolutions and/or legislative committee will review the submitted resolutions and make recommendations to the board of directors at its summer board meeting. A committee member will work with you during this time if additional information is required. Following the board meeting, you will be notified if your proposal will be forwarded to the members at legislative assembly.