The National PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America. Washington State PTA (WSPTA) is our state level PTA, and Lake Washington PTSA (LWPTSA) is our council level PTSA organization for Lake Washington School District.
1. Join the PTSA. By growing the membership of the PTSA, it increases the influence we have in Olympia and Washington DC, allowing us to advocate on the behalf of students everywhere.
2. Contact legislators. By adding your voice to those contacting state or federal legislators, you are making sure legislators know the issues that are a highest priority to all of us. Yes, you can do this even if you are not a citizen.
3. Get involved. Contact LWPTSA or WSPTA advocacy if you'd like to know how to attend lobbying days in Olympia, talk to local leaders, attend the WSPTA legislative assembly, or campaign locally for change.
Please contact the Advocacy Director (advocacy at evergreenptsa.org) if you would like to know more.
The LWSD School Board provides direction to the Lake Washington School District. The Board Members are our representatives and anyone can email them with questions or concerns. Everyone can also give either written or spoken public comments at a School Board Meeting. If there's a topic that's important to you, a great place to start is bringing it to the School Board.
https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
An ongoing 2023-2024 project for EMS PTSA advocacy and sustainability is encouraging and supporting transportation choices that are better for individuals and the entire community.
Here are a few answers to specific questions about busing, biking, walking, and carpooling that came out of an April 2024 survey.
The Washington State PTA legislative platform is a two-year platform to mirror the Washington state legislative cycle. The below Legislative Priorities and Supported Issues are updated yearly. On the even-numbered years, the new platform is voted on by members at the legislative assembly in the fall. The top five issues become our short-term platform and consist of our priority issues when advocating throughout the year. Other issues are placed on an “also supported” list.
https://www.wastatepta.org/events-programs/legislative-assembly/
Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis
Addressing Critical Gaps in Education Funding
Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide
Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education
Building and Maintaining Safer School Facilities
Creating a Diverse and Effective Educator Workforce
Expanding School Construction Funding Options
Harnessing the Benefits of Mastery-based Learning
Improving Equitable Identification and Access for Highly Capable Students
Increasing Education Equity by Closing the Digital Divide
Increasing Support for Equitable Family Engagement
Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change
Supporting a Meaningful High School Diploma
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PTSA# 2.8.68 | 6900 208th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98053 | 425 936-2320 | Lake Washington School District
