Ask WSPTA: Advocacy vs. Lobbying
What’s the difference between advocacy and lobbying? Advocacy is the act of speaking for, in support of, or to plead a cause on behalf of others. For example, PTAs advocate when they inform members or decision-makers on a topic of concern. Lobbying is attempting to influence a specific decision. For example, an activity is lobbying when it involves asking…
WSPTA Testifies: Parental Rights and Public Education
Advocacy in Action! WSPTA President Angela Steck shared comments on Initiative 2081, concerning parental rights relating to public school education, at the joint meeting of the House Education and Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education committees on Wednesday, February 28. Angela noted that WSPTA had a long history of supporting the health, safety, and welfare…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
2024 Legislative Session Recap
Join WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan for a review of the 2024 Legislative Session. Registration is required through the link below. Unable to attend? This session will be recorded and shared via the WSPTA Advocacy Page after the event.
WSPTA Testifies: Save the School Construction Assistance Program
Advocacy in Action! WSPTA Advocacy member Susan Baird-Joshi thanked House Capital Budget members for the $55 million investment for indoor air quality, the continued support for the Small District Modernization and Tribal Compact grant program, and the incremental increases to activities that support urgent and emergency repair. Watch Susan here Sharing the WSPTA’s disappointment with…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA Testifies: Dual and Tribal Language Education
Advocacy in Action! In a bill-packed day, WSPTA Advocacy member Danica Noble testified in favor of 3SHB 1228, building a multilingual, multiliterate Washington through dual and tribal language education. Danica shared her students’ experiences with a dual language program and encouraged the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee to pass the bill so that…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA Testifies: Urging Further Education Investments
Advocacy in Action! WSPTA President Angela Steck testified during the Senate Ways & Means meeting on Monday, February 19 on the proposed 2024 supplemental operating budget, SSB 5950. While the Senate proposal supports a small increase in special education, additional transportation funding for McKinney Vento students, and an increase in ratios for paraeducators, Angela expressed…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA Testifies: Dual Credit Programs & Graduation Requirements
Advocacy in Action! WSPTA Advocacy Committee member Natalya Yudkovsky testified in support of HB 1146, requiring school districts to provide information about dual credit programs and any financial assistance available to reduce dual credit and exam costs for students and their families. In addition to supporting the bill in the Senate Early Learning & K-12…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Senator Murray concerned about early learning & equitable education funding
By Danica Noble, WSPTA Federal Legislative Committee Last December, I met with Senator Patty Murray’s policy advisor on education in Washington, D.C. as a member of Washington State PTA’s Federal Legislative Committee. We explored common ground, as WSPTA had recently adopted Resolution 18.45 “High-quality Preschool to Third Grade Early Learning,” one of Senator Murray’s priorities.…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA Recognized by National PTA for Advocacy Efforts
National PTA President-Elect Dr. William Datema presents the 2024 Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award to Washington State PTA., represented by Angela Steck and Gwen Loosmore. Washington State PTA is proud to be the 2024 recipient of the Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award, as recognized by National PTA. This honor is awarded to one state PTA whose…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA Testifies: Increased Allocation for Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs
Advocacy in Action! Shoreline School District parent advocate Michelle Harris testified on behalf of Washington State PTA in strong support of HB 2494, increasing the allocation for Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs. Michelle shared that for her district, skyrocketing insurance increases will cost $2 million or about 8% of the enrichment levy. Watch Michelle here.…
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Advocacy
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Legislative