Advocates for Children

From its inception as the first state branch of the National PTA formed in 1897, New York State PTA's long-held commitment to advocacy has been the fire within.

ADVOCACY NEWS HEADLINES

Update Posted to "The Voice of NYS PTA"- Testing Opt-Out, Just the Facts

"The Voice of NYS PTA" page/blog provides thoughts and commentary from the President of the NYS PTA, Lana Ajemian, on topics of interest to our membership. Please click here to read the latest message on the blog.

NYS PTA Adopts New Position Paper  

On March 16, 2013 the NYS PTA Adopted the Position Paper for Use of Student Assessment & Its Impact on High-Stakes Educational Decisions. Please read this important document by clicking here and share it with your boards and members as you encourage them to utilize it as a tool for them to advocate for all children!

National PTA Commends Members of Congress for Proposed Ban on Military-Style Assault Weapons and High-Capacity Magazines Reaffirms gun violence prevention priorities

 ALEXANDRIA, VA. (January 24, 2013)-The following statement can be attributed to National PTA(r) President Betsy Landers: National PTA commends Members of Congress for taking swift legislative action on gun violence prevention and supports today's introduction of the Assaul

Resources for Advocacy on Gun Control and Mental Health Services

In the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, National PTA would like to share an overview of its positions and resolutions related to school safety. Click here to download two FAQs that address National PTA’s stance on gun control and mental health services, as well as school safety advocacy in our communities. Full position statements and resolutions are available online for members at PTA.org. The FAQs also include information about projects and activities that PTA members can do to assist the Newtown community. Please continue to keep the Newtown community in your thoughts and prayers.

Advocacy Resources For Supporting Students and Staff Following the Newtown, CT Tragedy

FAQ Advocating for School Safety

FAQ about Shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary 

National PTA Position Statement on Teacher/Principal Evaluations

In response to a number of state PTAs seeking counsel and guidance from National PTA on the subject of the teacher/principal evaluation process, the National PTA Board of Directors adopted a new position statement, Development and Implementation of Teacher and Principal Evaluation Systems.

The intent of this action was to provide needed national leadership on a timely topic while allowing maximum flexibility for you to adapt to the state and local realities of education reform efforts.

To view the position statement, click here.

To view the FAQ, click here.

Parent Trigger Initiatives

National PTA has created an information sheet and a list of frequently asked questions regarding both the film Won’t Back Down and the parent trigger issue. To learn more, click here.

NYS PTA Urges Governor Cuomo to Veto Legislation/Thank You for Your Support.... 

NYS PTA urges Governor Cuomo to veto legislation (A10722-A/S7722-A) regarding special education placement based on cultural background and home life that would impose unprecedented costs on school districts. Thank you to PTA members/friends who took action to support Governor Cuomo's efforts to veto the Special Education Placement Bill which he successfully vetoed today!  [MORE]

From its inception as the first state branch of the National PTA formed in 1897, New York State PTA’s long-held commitment to advocacy has been the fire within. Ignited by the efforts of a very small group of mothers gathered in Chautauqua, N.Y., today’s more than 346,000 members continue to raise their voices to speak up for children. Together we work for a common purpose: to secure adequate laws, regulations and policies for the care and protection of children and youth. To achieve this objective PTA advocates bring critical issues that affect the education, health and welfare of children and youth before the public, policy makers and elected officials. Connecting our more than 1500 grass-root units and councils, 16 regions, the state Board of Directors and National PTA is the shared belief that:

“Advocacy is at the heart of PTA's mission and vision. Taking action provides both parents and PTA leaders with the resources to become more involved with their community at home and their community across the nation.”

Excerpted from National PTA website: http://www.pta.org/take_action.asp

It is our hope that PTA members and advocacy partners will use this site to learn about New York State PTA's current basic policy, positions, directives, issues and advocacy efforts and link these to their own advocacy efforts at the grassroots level. To receive important action alerts and messages, sign up for Capwiz, our electronic advocacy system.

While we speak for every child with one voice, the more voices the louder the chorus! Join us to keep the advocacy flame burning and sustain the legacy of that first small group of women in upstate NY. In doing so, we will realize our vision: to make New York State PTA the premier association for advocacy and parent involvement association for all children!

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