Legislative Resources
Advocacy and the PTA
Advocacy is at the core of our PTA mission to make every child's potential a reality. By engaging and educating members on important issues at the local, state and national level, PTAs become an important voice in making decisions that impact Texas families.
Over the last century, PTA members have been instrumental in improving the lives of millions of children by advocating for the creation of universal kindergarten classes, child labor laws, a juvenile justice system and a healthy school meals program.
But what does it mean to be a part of PTA advocacy today? In the 21st century, PTA advocacy means providing our children with nutritious meal options, keeping them safe from gun violence, protecting students’ personal and academic information and ensuring that kids are college and career-ready upon graduation from high school.
PTA is the largest and oldest nonprofit, member-based volunteer child advocacy association in the country. The voice of the PTA is strengthened with each and every person who joins a PTA at a local campus.
Rally Day Webinars
Whether it is organizing a school meeting to discuss classes for students with special needs, participating in the Texas PTA Rally Day, meeting with Texas State Legislators, or calling a member of Congress to talk about the federal budget, PTA members are making a difference for children and families in their communities and across the country. After 120 years, at its core, PTA advocacy is still about speaking for every child with one voice.
Join us for the first in a series of three webinars in preparation for Rally Day 2025. In this session learn how to:
- Plan ahead
- Get support from your ISD and community
- Handle logistics (transportation, lodging, meals)
- Create a sample schedule
- Make the most out of the legislative (adult) and student caucuses
Register today for upcoming webinars:
- November 14, 2024 @12:00 (CT) - Texas PTA Priorities for the 89th Legislative Session
- January 16, 2025 @12:00 (CT) - Meeting with your Legislators
Watch previous webinar(s):
- October 8, 2024 @12:00 (CT) - Planning for Rally Day
Advocacy Facebook Group
Be a voice for positive change by joining the PISD Council of PTAs Advocacy group! This public Facebook group is dedicated to those passionate about advocacy and making a difference in our schools and community. Share information, discuss important educational issues, and collaborate on efforts to support and improve Plano ISD. Your involvement can help shape the future of our schools and empower students and families.
Texas PTA Advocacy
TX PTA Positions and Resolutions
National PTA Advocacy
National PTA Positions and Resolutions
Plano ISD Advocacy
Texas Legislature
Elections
Take Action
Letters to Legislators
- Choose a topic. Review the PISD PTA legislative priorities and related bill list. Do a keyword search on the TX legislative website for bills that interest you.
- Identify your legislators by entering your address HERE.
- Find the legislator's email webform by clicking the name below.
- Review these letter writing tips.
- State your position on the subject line.
- Mention that you are a constituent and include your address.
- Refer to a bill number, if applicable.
- Clearly state what you want him/her to do.
- Explain why it is important to you, perhaps with a personal experience.
- Be polite.
- Keep it short.
- Thank him/her.
- Submit your letter.
PISD Legislators
TX Representative Matt Shaheen
