How to recruit an Advocacy Chair

What skills do they need? (In order of importance)

  • Interested in educating the community on children’s issues
  • Ability to engage the listener in a discussion
  • Ability to write effective emails (short and concise)
  • (Note that knowledge of legislation is NOT listed…they can easily learn about legislation, the first three priorities are tougher to learn)

Who are they?

  •  A “retired” past PTA president
  • A vocal parent at the school who needs to direct their passion in a positive direction
  • A working parent who can’t be at school during the day but wants to be involved
  • Someone who is active in politics in other areas of their life
  • Someone who doesn’t know much about legislation but is willing to learn
  • Someone who is new to the school who was a Legislative Chair at their last PTA

What is the job?

  • Sign people up for action alert emails
  • Speak at each of your PTA meetings (info to speak on provided)
  • Place newsletter articles in newsletter (provided)
  • Attend Legislative Assembly in early October
  • Attend Focus Day and bring members of your PTA to Focus Day on January 24, 2013 in Olympia

What support will they have?

  • WSPTA Legislation Handbook
  • Several opportunities for training
  • Regular updated information via email
  • Action alert emails all ready to go to send to your email distribution lists. Email alerts will come from both the state and the Region Legislative Chair
  • The PTSA Council Legislative Chairs are available to help and answer questions
    Resource:  Region 2 Handprints – June 2012