Advocacy is what makes PTA unique. As leaders, your work and contributions are an important part of PTA’s legacy of advocacy that has held strong for more than a century.
As part of the California State PTA, the Santa Monica Malibu Council of PTAs is a key member of the oldest, largest advocacy organization in the state. Every year, our local, regional, statewide and national governments make decisions that affect our children. Through our Legislative Advocacy committee, we take an active role in helping lawmakers make their decisions on laws that impact the education and welfare of children and families, in Santa Monica, Malibu and beyond.
We work directly with local PTAs, 33rd District PTA, California State PTA, National PTA, and local, regional, and state elected officials to help propose and enact legislation to positively impact ALL children and families.
Unit PTAs are encouraged to promote adopted Council positions on legislative measures and may be requested to actively support them. This does not require a study or a local vote affirming the Council position. While unit PTAs are not required to work actively for any position, they should not officially oppose a stand taken by Council.
Role of PTA in Legislation
As local officers of the largest grassroots child advocacy organization in the state, PTA legislative advocacy chairs are responsible for demonstrating leadership on children’s issues at the local level by educating PTA members, community members and elected officials about PTA’s issues of concern and legislative priorities and goals.
California State PTA takes positions on issues/legislation based on position statements in the California State PTA Toolkit, California State PTA resolutions, California State PTA Legislation Platform and National PTA positions and resolutions.
The unit, council or district legislative chair provides PTA members with information about PTA positions on current legislation and issues.
California State PTA
California State PTA connects families, schools and communities. CAPTA is part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child-advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health and well-being of all children and families.
The CAPTA mission is to POSITIVELY IMPACT the lives of ALL CHILDREN & FAMILIES
California State PTA 2023-2025 Advocacy Goals:
- safeguard the health, safety, welfare, culture, and well-being of children and families, including mental health services and support for vulnerable youth;
- promote evidence-based, informed family engagement;
- expand civic engagement, learning, and participation;
- enact common sense gun control.
In addition, the advocacy goals include providing programs, expertise, and resources to support and expand PTA advocacy at the local level.
PTA Legislative Advocacy Events
Thirty-Third District -Sacramento Safari
CA State PTA- Legislation Conference – Sacramento
National PTA – Legislative Conference
For further information, contact Legislative Advocacy Chair
How to Stay Informed
How to Contact
CAPTA Tools -Communicate with your Elected Officials
SMMUSD Board of Education
Legislative Alerts & Updates
Santa Monica Malibu Council of PTAs supports a ‘Yes’ vote on Measure QS and Measure MM
Measure QS (Santa Monica) and Measure MM (Malibu) School repairs and improvement bond measure ...
National PTA Alert
TAKE ACTION NOW Take Action: Urge Your Representatives to Vote Against Proposed Cuts to Essential...
EQUITY AND SAFETY: More City Funding Needed For Youth Services
EQUITY AND SAFETY: More City Funding Needed For Youth Services Our City Council members, our City...
Where Can I Cast My 2022 Vote? | In Person, Official Drop Box, Mail -Make a Plan
In Person FIND A VOTE CENTER Roosevelt Elementary, Grant Elementary, Santa Monica College, Joslyn...
Watch Now: SMMUSD Board of Education Candidate Forum
https://youtu.be/50eQwdJvUe4The video of this forum is the property of Santa Monica Malibu Council...
VOTE. Your Voice Matters.
STEP 1 REGISTER TO VOTE or CONFIRM YOUR REGISTRATION Deadline to register is October...
SMMUSD School Board
The seven-member Board of Education is the elected decision-making body for our school district. They hold regular meetings throughout the year. These meetings are open to the public and attending them is a great way to be involved.
Schedule & Agendas for Board of Education Meetings
You can also keep current on Board of Education happenings by reading the regularly-published Board Notes.