PTA ResolutionsPTA ResolutionsMember-Driven AdvocacyMember-Driven Advocacy
Presented by National PTA Resolutions Committee Members:
Cyndi BarbianAlison TurnerMarne Usher
Workshop ScopeWorkshop Scope
Defining a Resolution National PTA’s Resolution Process:
Identify ResearchDraftSubmitReviewSupport
2
Defining a ResolutionDefining a Resolution
Outlines the opinion, will or intent of the association
Addresses problems, situations, or concerns
Requires action on the issue
Formal statement outlining action by a group
Original motion submitted in writing due to its importance, length or complexity
Position adopted by a vote of the membership3
Identify the IssueIdentify the Issue
Identify the issue
What is the concern?
Is this a local, state or national issue?
What action do you want taken?
4
Identify the IssueIdentify the Issue
Is this issue: In accordance with the PTA vision, mission, purposes and
policies? Addressed by an existing state or National PTA resolution or
position statement? Covered by existing regulation/law? Supported by factual information/research? Substantiated by other resources or organizations with
background information in community or online?5
PTA’s Vision and MissionPTA’s Vision and Mission
VisionEvery child's potential is a reality.
MissionTo make every child’s potential a reality by engaging
and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children
6
PTA’s PurposesPTA’s Purposes
To promote the welfare of the children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
To raise the standards of home life.
To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth.
To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.
7
Research the Issue Research the Issue
Check for existing resolutions, positions and laws
State PTA website
National PTA website
State, county and local government websites
Federal government websites8
Draft the ResolutionDraft the Resolution
Develop a concise statement of the issue
Complete initial research to build basis for support from membership
Create a committee to take the resolution to the next step – narrative summary
14
Draft the ResolutionDraft the Resolution
Review new e-learning course “Writing and Proposing PTA Resolutions”
Check forms and guidelines (state and National PTA)
Begin planning the two parts of a resolution– Whereas – the “Why?”; statements that describe the issue,
show the reason for the resolution, and give information
– Resolved – the call for action; the main motion
15
Draft the ResolutionDraft the Resolution Whereas statements
– Require background material and rationale
– Require three background primary references from three sources for each “Whereas” statement
Resolved statements– Direct the PTA to take some form of action
– State the action that PTA needs to be take to help solve the problem
16
Submit the ResolutionSubmit the Resolution
Check for state requirements (state and/or national)
National PTA Resolution Guidelines are at www.pta.org/about/content.cfm?ItemNumber=3444
Follow the procedure carefully
17
Submit the ResolutionSubmit the Resolution
Call for assistance: Resolutions Chair at any level– Ask for advice/assistance
– Work with chair or committee to finalize wording, if necessary
Submit to the state or National PTA Meet established deadlines
22
Review of Proposed ResolutionsReview of Proposed Resolutions
National PTA Resolutions Committee reviews proposed resolutions for scope, clarity, and completeness.National PTA staff and attorney review proposed resolutions through legal and public policy lenses.National PTA Board of Directors reviews and determines the disposition of each proposed resolution.National PTA Convention Delegates vote on each proposed resolution approved by the Board of Directors.
23
Support for Adopted ResolutionsSupport for Adopted Resolutions
National PTA staff identifies the goals and strategies necessary to implement the new PTA resolution.
National PTA staff works with the board and appropriate committees to implement the PTA resolution or position statement.
State and local PTAs inform their members and work with local entities, where appropriate.
24
Support for Adopted ResolutionsSupport for Adopted Resolutions
Review newly adopted resolutions Publicize newly adopted resolutions to your
members and partners Determine how to apply resolutions in your
community Be aware of the need for new resolutions to meet
the needs of your community
25
Recent ResolutionsRecent Resolutions
Distracted Driving (2012)Head Injury Reporting (2011)Improved Infrastructure Around Schools (2012)Meningococcal Disease Vaccine (2013)School Recess (2013)Sexting: Legal Consequences (2011)Social Host Accountability for Underage Drinking (2010)
26
Member-Driven AdvocacyMember-Driven Advocacy
? ?? ?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
? ? Questions ? ?? ? Questions ? ?? ? ? ?? ? ? ?
? ?? ?29
For More InformationFor More Information
Chair, National PTA Resolutions [email protected]
Kisha DeSandiesWeb Content Manager
Websitewww.pta.org/about/content.cfm?ItemNumber=3444
30