TITLE: Engaging Parents & Families in Grassroots Advocacy 60 minute presentation with suggested modifications for shorter/longer lengths of time 2 MINUTE INTRO: Welcome Intro self Engage audience [WELCOME] I am proud and excited to present this workshop on behalf of the National PTA. Thank you for taking your time to come to this session. [INTRODUCE SELF] Name, where you are from, how long you have been engaged in PTA, PTA/other positions, etc. [ENGAGE AUDIENCE] Raise your hand if are: o Unit leader o State leader o Council, regional, district leader o Member looking to become a PTA leader o Other invite sharing
1 MINUTE Learning Objectives By the end of this workshop you will be able to: 1. Define the term advocacy 2. Understand the difference between legislative and grassroots advocacy 3. Describe National PTA s federal advocacy priorities 4. Design a grassroots advocacy plan Let s get started.
2 MINUTE ACTIVITY: LARGE GROUP DISCUSSION What does advocacy mean to you? (2 3 Examples) DELETE SLIDE IF 45 MINUTE PRESENTATION [ASK] What does advocacy mean to you? [FACILITATE DISCUSSION] Audience may say lobbying or campaigning or provide examples of tangible results from advocacy, such as legislation, a specific change to an environment, funding, etc. Encourage the audience to bring forth examples. o Serving others with programs o Educating others about an issue, problem and proposed solution (policy and/or tangible result) o Speaking out for the benefit of others about a problem and desired solution o Organizing people directly affected by a problem to take action and win a solution THIS is grassroots advocacy Describe what advocacy means to you in your own words and why you have become an advocate for children. :5 Minutes
2 MINUTE Define advocacy and inspire with synonyms [DEFINE & EXPLAIN] What is advocacy? In the dictionary, to advocate is to publicly support or recommend to speak UP and OUT about an issue; to help others understand a problem; to influence thinking for the good of others for a social change that will improve or eliminate a problem. Synonyms for an advocate include: - Supporter - Backer - Promoter - Proponent - Campaigner - Fighter - Crusader - CHAMPION When you think about it, PTA advocates are CHAMPIONS for children.
3 MINUTE Explain how advocacy is at the heart of PTA s mission [SHARE] Advocacy is at the heart of PTA s mission: To make every child s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. This is what sets PTA apart from other school parent organizations: our mission and ability to advocate with ONE VOICE on behalf of EVERY CHILD. To fulfill our mission, we grow PTA advocates who are champions for children. So who are these PTA advocates? :10 Minutes
TIME/OUTLINE TALKING POINTS VISUAL(S) 2 MINUTE Identify who are PTA advocates and explain what they do Look around. You are surrounded by them. You are PTA advocates. As local leaders you are our frontline advocates. You have made the commitment to engage families in your school. The volunteer work that you do is advocacy. Advocacy begins with understanding the concerns of families, the needs of students and teachers, the goals of the school administration. Then it continues as you build a PTA plan that aims to engage families in the solutions THAT is advocacy. Thousands of volunteers like you are beginning their journeys as PTA Champions advocating for children. This important work that happens in YOUR SCHOOL, YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT, THIS STATE, and all that s happening on CAPITOL HILL. Let s talk about the ways we engage PTA advocates. TIME/OUTLINE TALKING POINTS VISUAL(S)
3 MINUTE Explain three types of advocacy There are three primary ways PTA engages its members in advocacy. Let s begin where we have the greatest reach with parents: Self Advocacy PTAs educate and empower families to be the champion for their child. Many PTAs educate families about the students rights and responsibilities and how to navigate the school system to get the supports necessary for academic success or well being. When parents feel welcomed at a school and communication is effective and two way they are comfortable sharing feedback with teachers. PTA helps to create the welcoming school culture and foster communication between families and schools. Grassroots Advocacy Grassroots advocacy is a type of social change that is fueled by the power of people focusing on a problem and taking collective action to propose and enact solutions. Example: Safe Routes to School. Parents, educators and community members come together to voice concerns about safe transportation options. Together, they explore solutions and reach out to government entities that influence funding or policies needed to achieve their desired goal: a safer trip to school by foot, bike, bus or car. :15 Minutes Legislative Advocacy Is what most people think of when they hear the word advocacy. Let s talk more about National PTA transforms your membership dollars into legislative influence and parent power on Capitol Hill. TIME/OUTLINE TALKING POINTS VISUAL(S)
5 MINUTE Establish the framework for how National PTA develops its legislative agenda and how National PTA s positions connect to the audience DELETE SLIDE IF 45 MINUTE PRESENTATION :20 Minutes National PTA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Under this tax exempt status National PTA is allowed to engage in federal lobbying and leads PTA s non partisan federal advocacy work. All people have the opportunity to lobby for issues that affect them and their families at all levels of government and should fully embrace that right whenever possible. All state and local PTA units are independently incorporated 501(c)(3) organizations, and are allowed to engage in direct and indirect lobbying as well. Although all PTAs national, state & local are allowed to lobby, PTAs are not allowed to engage in electioneering. Thus, PTAs cannot endorse candidates for elected office, give money or otherwise engage in political campaigns. This is what most 501(c)(4)s do. National PTA s annual public policy agenda guides federal advocacy. It uses National PTA s position statements and resolutions to develop recommendations for issues before Congress and the Administration, and is developed by the Legislative Committee and is approved by the National President and Board of Directors. National PTA does not take positions for or against state level policies. National position statements and resolutions can and do guide state level advocacy by state congresses. State PTAs are encouraged to align with National PTA positions. State and local PTAs can use National PTA position statements and resolutions to advocate on state and local matters. However, state and local PTAs may not contradict national resolutions or position statements. So what are our legislative priorities?
2 3 MINUTE Identify priorities in 2017 National PTA Policy Agenda In 2017, our goal is to advocate for equity and opportunity for all children and improve family engagement in schools and communities through a quality education. Who and what is included under a quality education? Everyone! General education (k 12) Special education Early childhood/pre k Access to quality post secondary opportunities, which includes high quality college and career readiness initiatives And of course funding for each of those areas [TRANSITION TO HEALTH/SAFETY PRIORITIES]
2 3 MINUTE Continue identifying priorities in 2017 National PTA Policy Agenda Then to ensure that every student is treated the same and has access to the same opportunities to succeed, National PTA advocates for: Gun safety and violence prevention Appropriate juvenile justice systems Adequate child health and safety policies, especially school nutrition and availability of physical education and recess Equal access to education technology and preserving student data privacy We ve provided our legislative checklist which goes into more details on each of these priorities. :25 Minutes
1 MINUTE INSPIRATION: Describe what this quote means to you Transition to grassroots advocacy by reading and describing what this quote means to you as a PTA advocate. DELETE SLIDE IF 45 MINUTE PRESENTATION
TIME/OUTLINE TALKING POINTS VISUAL(S) 4 MINUTE ACTIVITY: Share examples of different types of organizing for social change SHARE EXAMPLES INSTEAD OF ASKING IF 45 MINUTE PRESENTATION :30 Minutes [FACILITATE DIALOGUE] There are four forms of organizing for social change. 1. Service Providing a direct response or program to solve a problem. Can anyone think of an example of that? [Provide example or use:] Offering a healthy food backpack program to low income families 2. Education Researching and raising awareness about a problem to generate support for an issue. Can anyone think of an example of that? [Provide example or use:] Promoting results of a study on lack of recess in elementary schools 3. Speaking Up for Others Lobbying about an issue on behalf of a community. Can anyone think of an example of that? [Provide your own example or use:] Presenting at a school board meeting to expand special education funding 4. Grassroots Organizing This is when people directly affected by a problem take ACTION to win a solution. Can anyone think of an example of that? [Provide your own example or use:] Parents and students petition school board members and host a rally to prevent cuts to the music program Today, we ll focus on Grassroots Organizing.
TIME/OUTLINE TALKING POINTS VISUAL(S) 2 MINUTE Describe the three principles of grassroots advocacy and share pride in PTA s history as advocates There are three fundamental principles of grassroots advocacy: 1 st Win concrete improvements that will significantly improve the education of well being of students at your school. 2 nd Make people aware of their own power by amplifying their voices and showing them their collective influence as they win victories and generate broader support for their cause. 3 rd Alter the relations of power between people and the government by building a strong, permanent solution and ongoing organization. PTA is the result of grassroots organizing 120 years ago. [TRANSITION: SHARE AN EXPRESSION OF PRIDE IN OUR 120 YEAR HISTORY AS ADVOCATES]
3 MINUTE Define components of grassroots strategy map GOALS: The victory you want to achieve. ORGANIZATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS: What you have to put into the fight (time, money, etc.), and what you want to get out of it organizationally (how will others perceive you/the PTA). CONSTITUENTS, ALLIES, OPPONENTS: Who else cares about this problem enough to join in doing something about it? Who will not agree with you on this issue? Who does it impact? TARGETS: Those who can give you what you want. Always a person. TACTICS: The things that you and your constituents and allies must do to get the decision maker(s) to make the decisions that will allow you to achieve your goal. :35 Minutes [TRANSITION TO ACTIVITY] Let s put this tool into action. TIME/OUTLINE TALKING POINTS VISUAL(S)
15 MINUTE ACTIVITY: SMALL GROUP EXERCISE Design a grassroots strategy map [ACTIVITY 10 MINUTE SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY; 5 MINUTE SHARING] Break audience into groups of 5 or tables. Handout grassroots strategy chart with a local school issue scenario. The best way to learn grassroots advocacy is to DO grassroots advocacy. So let s use our worksheet to design a grassroots strategy plan together. This chart will help you. In the next 10 minutes, use this chart to develop a plan. [SHARE] ADJUST TIME BASED ON TIME REMAINING :50 Minutes After 10 minutes or when groups seem to be done, invite groups to share what they planned. Picked 2 3 examples. Walk around the room and listen to conversation so you can select groups that have different tactics. Many of your tactics involved communication, which is great.
2 MINUTE Describe the communication tactics that are often used in grassroots advocacy Communication tactics are the most effective ways to advocate for social change. 1. PTA media is your e newsletter, PTA events, or take home flyers. 2. Social media is a powerful tool that is changing the way people absorb information, mobilize for advocacy, and raise awareness about issue campaigns. Research shows that more than 90% of people trust peer recommendations, but only 33% trust messages from brands and organizations. FUN FACT: In August of 2015 almost half of the House of Representatives (207 members) communicated with constituents directly through Facebook or Twitter! National PTA has a great guide to using social media on our website. 3. News media plays a huge role in our society by helping shape public opinion. Getting media coverage can be a great asset to educating members of the community, raising awareness, and garnering support for programs or initiatives you are working on. Building a relationship with your local media is a great step in advocating for positive change. 4. Word of mouth The best media is the one that is easiest to use your own voice. Your story. Your why is this important to me and my kids will have the most influence on any decision maker. PTA is all about raising the voices of parents to improve schools and communities. As a PTA leader, you make that happen best. Your voice matters most.
2 MINUTE Describe the power of constituent voices and data that demonstrates how Congress listens to constituents REMOVE OR SKIP IF 45 MINUTE PRESENTATION OR LOW ON TIME [DESCRIBE IN OWN WORDS] I promise you, your voice will make a difference. With four million members, the power of National PTA and all PTAs is that we affect positive change for all children and families on a large scale. Through basic advocacy efforts, advocates have a unique opportunity to change their district, state, and country for the better. Policymakers listen to their constituents when making a decision for their state and/or district and the more constituents that are concerned about an issue often garner more attention to the need for change. Policymakers rely on information from outside sources to determine what the best decision is for their state or district. In order to ensure that their representatives make a good decision, advocates need to be engaged to provide them with that information and have their priorities heard. The Congressional Management Foundation studies ways in which advocates and congress can better communicate to each other. When asked whether a constituent meeting in person has any influence on a member of Congress decision on a bill, the staff member said 51% it had some influence and 46% said it had a lot of positive influence. 97% of respondents said it had at least some influence on their boss decision making! These numbers are similar whether you meet with someone in their Washington office or their district office.
1 MINUTE INSPIRATION: Describe why it s so important to grow as a PTA Advocate [SHARE IN YOUR OWN WORDS USING TALKING POINTS AS GUIDE] Why, as a PTA member, should you continue to grow as an advocate? PTA members have an expertise unlike many others. You are on the ground level and PTA members know what works and what doesn t work within their communities. PTA members know firsthand what students with disabilities, poor students and minority students experience every day at school. You know what your teachers and school administrators need to be successful and whether they have all of the tools to ensure that every child is getting the education they deserve. As a PTA member, you are a part of an association that is unlike other advocacy associations. National PTA and your priorities are to work on behalf of all students, families and schools. You know and advocate for what s best for students and families in your community giving you credibility that many others cannot obtain. :55 Minutes Finally, we need as many voices as possible to ensure our mission is heard loud and clear, to make sure every child reaches his or her full potential. As a PTA member, you have the opportunity to make a difference in your schools and communities to ensure that families and students voices are heard over noise. [TRANSITION TO ROADBLOCKS]
1 MINUTE Share that even with roadblocks, you are not alone PTA is a network of volunteers supporting each other REMOVE OR SKIP IF 45 MINUTE PRESENTATION OR LOW ON TIME [SHARE IN YOUR OWN WORDS USING TALKING POINTS AS GUIDE] You may be sitting there saying to yourself where do we even begin? How can we find the time? You are not alone. These are typical roadblocks. But they shouldn t hinder you from speaking up for every child. Advocacy isn t a one person job. In many cases, advocacy attracts people to your cause to our mission. Be focused. Be informed. Get comfortable empowering others to share the responsibilities. And lastly, use our resources. Because our kids and teachers need you. It is important to remember that these representatives and school boards work for us! They want to hear from you and they want to do what is best for their constituents and communities. If they do not know what is going on at the ground level, they won t be able to support students and families as effectively. [TRANSITION TO CLOSING] We have many tools to help you.
1 MINUTE Promote the PTA Advocacy Toolkit As a PTA advocate, you will never be a lone champion for kids. National PTA has so many tools to help you advocate. In addition to frequent webinars and an e learning course, we have guides for: - Lobbying - Working with the media and promoting social media - Preparing testimony - Planning a grassroots advocacy campaign - Corresponding with members of Congress - Hosting site visits But wait there s more!
1 MINUTE Promote ESSA Toolkit We also have an incredible toolkit on how to educate and engage families in the implementation plans that your state, district and school are working on. Visit PTA.org/ESSA to see that resource. 1 MINUTE Promote Other Advocacy Resources Here is a listing of other resources available to you. Visit our web site at PTA.org to start exploring. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Consider attending a National PTA Legislative Conference in March or submitting your outstanding advocacy effort to our National PTA Advocacy Awards.
2 MINUTE CALL TO ACTION AND INSPIRATION: Ask to Join #StopCutsToC lassrooms [SAY] Let s end with an advocacy moment right now. In the months ahead, National PTA is leading a major campaign to STOP CUTS TO CLASSROOMS. Have you heard of it? Federal funding for public education programs has remained at 2% of the federal budget for decades, despite the increase in public school enrollment and the rising cost of education resources and services. This disparity between funding levels and actual costs means that the federal government has essentially enacted cuts to classrooms. Express gratitude and reinforce importance of PTA mission and advocacy Answer questions, if time :60 Minutes [ACTIVITY] Take out your mobile devices if you have them and visit PTA.org/StopCuts. Submit that petition with me right now. Share on social media. Spread the word using #StopCutsToClassrooms campaign toolkit. The federal government s deadline to fund the government for the next year is Sept. 30, 2017. If you would like the United States to have a strong economy powered by a well educated workforce that can compete on the global stage, then stand with four million parents, teachers, students and community leaders as we demand that Congress #STOPCutsToClassrooms and invest more than 2% in public education before the next fiscal year on Oct. 1, 2017. [CLICK TO NEXT SLIDE] Express gratitude. Reinforce the importance of PTA s mission and advocacy work. Answer questions. [END]