What is Advocacy?

Advocacy Basics

Advocacy is sharing a story or experience that your child, school or community is dealing with and turning it into an action item – or a request – for a new policy, protocol, change in funding formula or improved training opportunity.

PTA is a non-profit, non-commercial, non-sectarian and non-partisan association whose volunteer leaders and members speak-out on behalf of children to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of all children and youth.  By working together to research issues and exchange knowledge, our PTA members have been sparking change in programs and policies that benefit children for over 120 years.

Use Your Voice

As a parent or caregiver, as soon as you speak to a teacher or administrator about a concern, you have become an advocate for your student! Sharing your story and asking for change at the county, state, or national level makes you one of more than 4 million parents or caregivers that are members of PTA and who volunteer their time, energy and talents to address issues and create opportunities to support the educational success of students.

We drive change by educating families and building community awareness about our core priorities, participating in coalitions that align with our mission and by speaking directly with school administration and elected officials at every level of government.

Your perspectives matter

Parents have shared they want more visibility into what their kids are learning, including teaching methods and ways they can support educational efforts at home.  Teachers have asked for resources to fund more engaging learning activities at school (like STEM projects) and field trips.  School administrators have asked for help with groundskeeping and facilities maintenance (like painting and stage repair).  Neighboring civic associations and local businesses are willing to contribute but aren't always clear on how best to support.  

Limited resources requires the prioritization of support efforts

Unfortunately, we have limited supply of time, money, and energy.  Efforts must be prioritized to make meaningful impacts.  Most Oakridge PTA support efforts and activities can be grouped into six areas of focus: (1) Academic Resources for Parents; (2) Sponsoring Teacher Initiatives; (3) Improving School Grounds and Facilities; (4) Social Events and Community Engagement; (5) Volunteering and PTA Membership; and (6) Extracurricular Resources.