Legislative Chair Information
WHY ADVOCACY?
Today, our young people are more at risk than ever before. Nearly one-third grow up in poverty, more than half at some time live in single parent homes, and one-fourth lack health insurance during at least part of the year. They are exposed to an increasingly violent world and to a peer culture that does not always value learning or understand that educational achievement is a key factor in success.
Our young people did not create these conditions, and few understand how to get their voices heard by those with the power to solve these problems. They need advocates to speak for them.
The PTA is comprised of millions of members who are working daily to improve the quality of life for young people. While the voice of one parent acting alone can be ignored, the voice of millions working together will get attention.
The Four “C’s” of Advocacy
Courteous – Always be courteous, even if you and your legislator do not see “eye to eye” on an issue. What is most important is to keep the lines of communication open.
Correct – State the facts only. In letters, make certain your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are correct.
Concise – Do not be long-winded. On paper, limit yourself to a one-page letter that focuses on a single topic. If there are several issues you wish to address, it is best to write a letter on each.
Constituency Based Concerns – Concentrate on what is going on in your school district. Legislators are naturally most interested in what is happening in their geographic area.
PURPOSE OF A LEGISLATIVE CHAIRMAN/COMMITTEE
The Legislative Committee should serve as a study and action group to provide PTA members with information on current and pending legislation that affects the health, safety, education and welfare of children and youth.
The Legislative Committee should assist PTA members in understanding the way in which governmental bodies function and the process by which laws are enacted.
The Legislative Committee should assist PTA members in effectively communicating with elected representatives at all levels of government.
The Legislative Committee members should serve on local advisory committees and task forces that address topics dealing with the well-being of children and youth.
REPRESENTING PTA
As a PTA leader, you represent PTA wherever you go. It does not matter where you are - the grocery store, your church or your school - people look at you and think “PTA”. Even relatives at your own family reunion associate you with PTA. If someone asks you what you think of the President’s Education Policy, whatever you answer will be thought of as the official position of PTA.
Because you are a PTA leader, it is important that you only make statements that actually represent the PTA position on issues. If your opinion is different, keep it to yourself. It is also important that you know when you can speak for PTA and when you cannot.
Only the president of a PTA or the Board/Executive Committee may authorize you to speak for PTA. No one else has that authority. This is true for a local unit, council, district, state or the National PTA.
POLICY
PTA is a non-commercial, non-sectarian and non-partisan organization. Because PTAs are 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, the IRS rules regulating some types of legislative activities of non-profit organizations must be followed.
Certain political activities are absolutely prohibited: supporting or opposing political parties or candidates for federal, state, or local public office. PTA may only engage in non-partisan, issue-oriented advocacy.
PTAs must be careful not to be used by other individuals, groups or organizations to promote non-PTA interests. In voter surveys, PTA is widely respected for its positions on children’s issues.
Every PTA member and PTA must safeguard the reputation and integrity of the organization by avoiding these situations. Unauthorized use of the PTA name should be reported to the appropriate PTA officers. A good policy to follow is: When in doubt, check it out!
METHODS OF COMMUNICATION
Telephone Calls:
The telephone can be a valuable tool for informing legislators of your position on issues. Telephone calls can be made to legislators at their offices in Washington D.C. or in Nashville. For state contact information go to: www.legislature.state.tn.us. For national contact information go to either www.senate.gov or www.house.gov
E-mail:
E-mail has become the way to send mail.
Subject heading should be clear.
Professional conduct does matter. We must remember how important our conduct is in designing the e-mail we send. Maintain a professionally oriented tone. Professional business e-mails should include your local unit/council/region name and your title.
E-mail should always include a phone number (including area code) if the contact needs to personally speak to you.
Proofread your work–always. Many times the tone, phrasing of e-mail can be misinterpreted and used to your disadvantage. There should be no excuse for spelling and grammatical errors.
Writing Letters:
Letters are most effective once you establish a relationship with your legislator with a personal visit.
Be positive, polite and do not threaten.
Keep letters brief. State your position on the issue clearly giving your reasons in as few words as possible.
Use your own words as much as possible. Do not….write on a postcard, use a form letter, be rude or vague. Avoid petitions.
Ask for support, but do not demand it.
Both state and federal representatives pay attention to their mail. Responding to mail is crucial to their re-election.
Personal Visits:
Make an appointment.
Limit your conversation to not more than 15 minutes.
Limit your group to not more than four people.
Know your subject and be prepared for questions.
Do not compromise your priorities.
Do not be belligerent or get angry.
Thank your legislator for his or her time. Send a thank you card when you return home.
GLOSSARY OF LEGISLATIVE TERMS
ACT--Legislation which has passed both houses of the General Assembly and has been signed by the governor.
ADVOCACY--The act or process of pleading the cause of another; the process of applying influence to sway the actions or decisions of groups or individuals.
AMENDMENT--The proposal of a legislator to alter the language in a bill or act.
APPROPRIATION BILL--Normally originates in the house; it permits the expenditure of monies that can be used to finance a particular act.
BILL--Legislative proposal introduced in either house. Designated S (Senate) and HR (House of Representatives) for
the house in which it originates plus a bill number.
BUDGET--Document sent to the legislature by the Governor each year estimating revenue and expenditures for
ensuing fiscal year.
CLERK--Staff person providing administrative support to the Senate or House Representatives or to a specific committee.
COMMITTEE--A subdivision of the House or Senate which prepares bills for action.
COMMITTEE HEARINGS--Committee meetings, open to the public, at which committee members listen to testimony
from witnesses representing various views.
JOINT RESOLUTION--Designated HJ RES or SJ RES, requires approval of both houses and signature of the Governor, and if approved, has the effect of law.
LAW--An act of the legislature which has been signed by the governor or passed over his veto.
LEA--Local Education Agency – the board and staff responsible for the administration of a local school system.
LOBBYIST--A group seeking to influence the passage or defeat of legislation.
SPONSOR(S)--The legislator (s) who puts his name on a bill when introduced. Acts as the chief spokesperson for the
bill and is primarily responsible for the handling of the bill through committee and floor votes.
VETO--Action by which the governor disapproves of a bill passed by both houses.
**Information from TNPTA.ORG