: Tips for Effective Advocacy

Determine the Issue
The first step in launching a grassroots advocacy effort is to determine the issues. Issues need to be presented in a manner that makes sense to people, thoroughly addresses their concerns, and offers a clear solution that is worth the efforts made.

For example, if you are attempting to gather community support and funding for an after-school program, it is important to make the benefits apparent to all members of the community-including those residents without school age children.

In addition, there will be times when the PTA will not be raising an issue, but will be responding to one raised by an opposing group with different ideas. Recent examples include the "65% solution," taxpayer bill of rights, tax cap initiative, and statewide private school voucher programs.

Whether you are supporting or opposing a public policy initiative, your task is the same. You must frame or define the issue in a way that appeals to your audience, whether they are members of your local school board, state lawmakers, members of Congress, or the voting public.

Check National PTA Positions & Resolutions
Any issue taken up by a local or state PTA grassroots advocacy effort cannot conflict with the national PTA Resolutions and positions.

Local board or committee approval may also be required before undertaking any PTA-sponsored or supported advocacy activity. PTA's can support or oppose existing or proposed policies when the state or the national PTA organization has no stated position on the issue. PTA's can also develop their own initiatives and advocate for them. It is important to attain consensus for action and gauge the level of support among local PTA members before engaging policy makers under the PTA banner.

Research the Issue
Framing or shaping an issue for PTA action requires continually remaining on top of the facts.

Research includes gleaning data from PTA and other child advocacy organizations, reviewing minutes of public meetings, and acquiring copies of proposed rules, regulations, or laws. While the Internet has made research much easier, remember to check the source of the information to ensure that it is an accurate reflection of the facts. Brainstorm with other PTA members or representatives of allied groups who are knowledgeable about the issue. Here are some questions to consider:

• What is the importance of the issue to the national PTA organization?
• Does the issue have clarity, and will it appeal to a broad range of people and their "kitchen table" concerns?
• Who has the ultimate authority and responsibility for making the decision?
• Is there organized resistance to your cause?

Turn Members into Advocates

• The first step is to let members know how they can participate in a grassroots advocacy process by clearly communicating the local, state, and national PTA goals.
• Identify specific issues or concerns in which PTA could be involved at the local, state, or federal levels. Make issues and goals real to members by identifying how the issues touch their lives, the lives of their children, or the community at large.
• Make it easy for members to find information on PTA advocacy efforts by devoting part of your PTA newsletter or e-mail communications to public policy information. Use your local and PTA websites to bring attention not only to current public policy issues, but to success stories of previous PTA efforts in the state or surrounding communities.
• Build an email address book to disseminate important information quickly and efficiently, particularly if you are actively engaged in a local, state, or federal public policy campaign. Participate in bulletin boards on PTA websites to share information, gather allies, and research successful strategies with other PTA members around the country.

For more information, download the PTA Grassroots Advocacy Manual from the link below.

Additional Resources

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