What can PTA’s do to foster involvement in the democratic process among its members?

• Provide voter registration forms at back-to-school events or tell people they can reigster to vote on National PTA’s website; include registration informaiton in PTA newsletters
• Forums focusing on education-related issues and candidates are appropriate activities for PTAs to sponsor, as long as they are in keeping with nonprofit regulations and the information is neutral and nonpartisan. Learn more on the Legislative Activities section of the “Annual Resources for PTAs 2004-2005.”
• Invite members to join National PTA’s Member-to-Member Network.

from NATIONAL PTA WEEKLY, Aug 10, 2004

A safe, healthy, and modern learning environment is especially important as we strive to meet the rigorous standards set for in the No Child Left Behind Act. We expect bills to be introduced in Congress this fall that would allow the federal government, in partnership with local communities, to provide long-term funding needed to build, repair, and modernize our nation’s schools. Let Congress know what is a priority to you. National PTA issued its Back-to-School Legislative Action Packet 2004 which includes:

• A fact sheet on school constructions and renovation to promote healthy schools
• Five ways to promote the campaign;
• Copies of reproducible postcards and instructions on how to download them from the National PTA web site;
• A sample letter to the editor to send you your local newspaper;
• An easy-to-use environmental checklist for use in identifying and correcting school health and safety hazards, along with related resources;
• Information on National PTA’s Member-to-Member Network.

from THIS WEEK IN WASHINGTON for Sept. 10, 2004 and Donna Seymour, Legislation Chair - onthego@northnet.org
or 315-265-6985