Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the PTA have a Legislation Program?
The third purpose of the PTA says it all..."to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth". Since its inception in 1897, the PTA has recognized that an organization dedicated to the welfare of children and youth must inevitably concern itself with the laws that affect children or those that may be needed to protect them. The Virginia State PTA speaks out for state legislation that promotes the welfare of children and youth in Virginia. The VA PTA also works with the NPTA on federal legislative issues.

Does a Local Unit have to participate in the Legislation Program?
Participation is voluntary, but highly recommended. This is a benefit of membership - the right to be heard in Richmond regarding issues related to the heath, welfare, safety and education of your children.  

If you local unit does not participate because your membership does not like a particular item on the proposed program, then you are really doing a disservice to your children. Just because an item is on the program does not mean a PTA has to support it. That is why the program is sent to each local unit in the Spring for review and why Districts have Spring Legislation Meetings to give members the opportunity to have input into the program prior to the vote by the Board of Directors. Then in the fall each member has an opportunity to vote on each item. Votes are tallied and forwarded to the District Directors and then a final tally is calculated by the Legislation Committee. You are the VOICE for children in Virginia - let it be counted.

If we do not participate, are we a local unit NOT in good standing?
A unit in good standing means your local unit bylaws are current and you have paid your dues by December 1 of each year. Participation in the Legislation Program is voluntary, however strongly encouraged.  

If our members don't like a particular item in the Leg Program, can we really vote NO? 
YES! That is why the program is sent to the local units so that individual members have an opportunity to review the program and then vote their conscience. The final result may be that more members vote yes than no and the item is adopted by the majority of the membership across the state, but that does not mean your vote is not appreciated or valued. Sometimes issues that may go against a particular locality's interests, may really be a very favorable issue for the greater part of the state.

How do we introduce items for consideration in the Leg Program?
Review the TIPS section which will provide an overview of the different components of the Legislation Program and how to present items for consideration. If you feel you need further assistance contact your District Director or a member of the Legislation Committee. Items are to be in the state office no later than March 1 of each year. The deadline for Resolutions will be announced in the annual Call to Convention.

Why do we have so many types of items in the program? 
The PTA focuses on all aspects of child welfare. Every year the local units of the Virginia PTA approve a legislative program that represents its official position on a wide variety of issues. The program consists of legislative action items and policy statements. Positions statements approved in previous years and convention resolutions automatically become part of the annual program.

Why can't the state PTA speak for bills that are not in the official Leg Program?
The Virginia PTA/PTSA is YOU. The Board of Managers exists only to serve you, the member. We develop a program based on your input as well as action by the General Assembly and other state agencies and then tally the votes from across the state to determine which items will be in the final program. Speaking for an item that is not on the program as the VIRGINIA PTA/PTSA would be a misrepresentation of you, the member.

The Executive Committee or the Board of Managers can adopt a position on an item not on the program, but must speak only as an Exec. Committee or Board Member, not as the VIRGINIA PTA.
Can an individual member contact their legislator about a bill that is not in the Program?

Yes, a member can contact their legislator as a PTA member in favor or opposition of a bill not in the Program. You may speak favorably only if that bill is not in opposition to the PTA program. If a member wishes to speak in favor of a bill the PTA opposes, then the member must speak as a private citizen and not use the PTA name.

Can local units have their own position on a item in the Leg Program?
Local units can vote to oppose an item in the annual VA PTA Legislation Program, however if the item is adopted by the majority of the membership, an individual local unit cannot adopt its own position statement opposing the item.

Can local units have their own position on a bill that is not part of the PTA Leg Program?
Yes, a local PTA or Council can adopt a position on an item not in the program, however, to support a bill that is in direct opposition to the PTA would not be allowed. The PTA name is a trademark of the National PTA and members cannot use the name for purposes other than to promote the mission and purpose of the PTA.

There are many bills that are of interest to the PTA for which there is no PTA position. A local unit can adopt their own position on a bill of interest and speak in favor of or if a bill is against the PTA position, a local can adopt a position to oppose the bill.

As a non-profit organization, can the PTA lobby?
The National PTA and its constituent organizations may proposed, support, or oppose legislation needed to achieve the Objects of the PTA and Legislative Program, provided that those activities do not exceed the limitations under the federal tax laws by which such organizations retain their tax-exempt status.

How much of our membership money is spent on lobbying?  
PTAs may not devote more than an insubstantial part of their activities to influence legislation. Generally interpreted not to exceed 5 percent of gross income, this includes lobbying government agencies directly to influence legislation or indirectly by gathering public support for PTA positions.

Does the VA PTA have a paid lobbyist? 
The Virginia PTA does not have a paid lobbyist. The annual program is developed by the state Legislation Committee, then reviewed and voted on by the local units. The Legislation Committee and the Capital Committee work many long VOLUNTEER hours during the annual General Assembly session to monitor all legislation affecting children and youth.

Should we visit with our Legislators at home? Do they listen to the PTA? 
Definitely. Not only should you visit your legislators and discuss issues that are important to the children and youth in their district, you should invite them to participate in your PTA programs. 

Can a local unit adopt a position on a local issue?
Yes, local units can adopt positions on local issues. For more information on developing a local position statement, contact legislation@vapta.org