PTA NEWS

Every Child ~ One Voice

 

In this August 11th issue: Region Fall Leadership Conferences; WSPTA Board Meeting Wrap-up; Proposed Legislative Issues and more…

 

 

From Linda Hanson, WSPTA President:
”Last weekend various leaders from around the state gathered in Vancouver to share ideas, brainstorm new ones, and learn from each other at the annual Leadership Retreat. Almost 100 people joined us for a fun and empowering weekend. Please thank your families for allowing us to spend some time with you! I am looking very forward to seeing all of you as I travel around the state between now and November to attend region conferences and host PTA and the Law classes – please introduce yourself and share with me what you love most about PTA!”

 

 

FALL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES COMING TO A REGION NEAR YOU

It’s that time of year already. The region conferences provide local unit and council leaders with training, support, resources and opportunities for growth. Your PTA’s Leadership Packet will also be available for pick-up at the conference. Don’t miss this great opportunity to kick off the new PTA year.  A complete list of conferences, along with registration forms is available, can be found online at:
www.wastatepta.org/meetings/region_conferences.htm

 

 

WSPTA BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

The Washington State PTA’s Board of Directors met on August 3, 2006 in Vancouver. Here are some of the board’s highlights:

 

■ Reviewed outside representation oopportunitties

 

■ Voted to endorse NBCT (National Board Certified Teachers) Summit

 

■ Ratified Guest/Courtesy Seat Policy

 

■ Aapproved the legistative assembly format with recommendations from Legislation Committee

 

■ Made a commitment to address the diversity goals of the association

 

  I-920 – Repeal of Estate Tax:  Board voted to support the “NO on I-920” (more information to be posted on the WSPTA website soon)

 

■ Discussed and approved initial presentation of proposed issues for Legislative Assembly (see below).

 

 

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY IS COMING…

2006 WSPTA Legislative Assembly 
October 13-14, 2006
Yakima Convention Center, Yakima, WA
Details and registration form coming soon.

Resources to prepare Local Unit and Council PTAs for the 2006 WSPTA Legislative Assembly:

 

Proposed 2006-2007 Legislative Priority Issues
Download proposed 2006-2007 Legislative Priority Issues
A brief summary and rationale for all twenty-five 2006/07 WSPTA proposed issues.

Sample Legislative Issues Survey
Sample survey for local units and councils to use in surveying members prior to the WSPTA 2006 Legislative Assembly
.
Download Sample Legislative Issues Survey

Guidelines for surveying members prior to Legislative Assembly
Download Issues Survey Guidelines

Advocacy & Legislation Handbook
This new booklet contains useful tips for PTA Legislation Chairs, an Advocacy Toolkit, and other legislative resources for child advocates. 
Download the Advocacy & Legislation Handbook

Sample Newsletter Articles
These articles are intended to give WSPTA legislative chairs and newsletter editors a start on their "Legislative" newsletter articles.  Just download, update with your unit's contact information and legislator and school board member contact information and you've got a great start for a great advocacy article.
Newsletter Article: The Annual WSPTA Legislative Process
Region Newsletter Article – Getting Ready for your Legislative Year

All of the resources above can be found on the WSPTA Legislation webpage: www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm
Check the page frequently as resources will be added as they are developed.

 

 

NEW LOGINS AND PASSWORDS for MEMBERSHIP ENROLLMENT
Your PTA’s new 2006-2007 login and password for online enrollment was mailed to your PTA president. If your PTA has co-presidents, the letter was mailed to the first alphabetically. If your PTA president did not receive a password letter, please contact the Melissa Anderson at  support@wastatepta.org.

 

NEW MEMBERSHIP THEME FOR 2006-2007:  
Many Faces, One Vision

 

The new membership PTA/PTSA theme logos are now posted on the WSPTA Membership Resources page:
www.wastatepta.org/programs/membership.htm

 

The new 2006-2007 Membership Handbook, membership flyers, and other new membership resources will be available next week. The Membership Handbook is also included in your PTA’s 2006-2007 Leadership Packet.

 

Summer is almost over. Enjoy it while you still can!