National PTA Legislation Program

From its earliest days, the National PTA has supported legislation that addressed its goals for children and families. The National PTA opened its Washington DC Office in 1977 to address the need for direct contact with the federal government. Its staff analyzes federal legislation and judicial and regulatory issues on behalf of National PTA, informs policy makers of PTA positions, offers leadership development and facilitates members' lobbying efforts.

PTA and Washington
Stay informed and get involved at the National level with our Legislative Information, Key Issues Breakdown and Washington Updates. We also provide direct access to your Congress member so you can voice your opinion about what affects our children.

Legislative Program
The National PTA Legislative Program is the primary authority for action taken on federal legislation and regulations by the National PTA. The Legislative Program consists of broad policy statements and Legislative Directives on issues that affect children and youth and must agree with the National PTA Objects and Basic Policies. Additionally, resolutions with federal legislative intent and position statements of the National PTA Board of Directors serve to guide National PTA legislative efforts.

The National PTA Legislative Program has four components:

• Legislative directives are the organization's current legislative priorities. They are reviewed by the National PTA Board of Directors and approved by the Executive Board every two years.
• Policy statements are broad statements on children's issues that form the basis for resolutions and position statements. Policy statements become official when they are passed by delegates at the National PTA Convention or the National PTA Board of Directors, and then by 60 percent of state PTAs.
• Resolutions with legislative intent can be proposed by any PTA. The National PTA Board of Directors recommends resolutions for consideration by delegates at the National PTA Convention. Resolutions must be approved by the convention body and then ratified by the National PTA Board of Directors to become positions of the organization.
• Position statements are initiated by committees and commissions of the National PTA Board of Directors. They are approved by the National PTA Board of Directors and are published in the Annual Resources for PTAs

Legislative Information 
Learn about everything happening in Washington to stay on top of the issues affecting children. These links to PTA and Washington at www.pta.org

Washington Update
Legislative Directives
Member-to-Member Network
Archives

National PTA Washington DC Office
1090 Vermont Ave. NW, Suite 1200
Washington, D.C. 20005-4905
Phone: 202-289-6790
Fax: 202-289-6791
Hotline: 888-425-5537