Resolutions - California State PTA

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PTA Resolutions

PTA Resolutions come from our members and call attention to a problem and a need for action on a particular issue. They are a major source of authority for the California State PTA and its units, councils, and districts. If a problem or situation has statewide implications affecting children, youth, and families, a resolution is one way to authorize PTA action. Other sources of PTA authorities include National PTA resolutions, California State PTA and National PTA position statements, and legislation platforms. See the full list of our Resolutions.

PTA Resolutions are not legislation and are very different from those that you may be familiar with from your local School Board or City Council. PTA Resolutions provide direction (authority) for our membership to take action. Our Resolutions are not direct advocacy messages to state or federal legislators or position statements. Authority allows us to take a position on legislation, policy, and ballot measures. Resolutions may only be authorized by delegates to the California State PTA’s Annual Meeting (Convention), using the procedures outlined in the California State PTA Resolution Procedure Book. Units, Councils, and Districts cannot authorize Resolutions.

Click here for information on how to submit a PTA Resolution

Resolutions are PTA Authorities created by members and adopted by the membership at the Annual Meeting (California State PTA Convention). Resolutions call attention to a problem and need for action by our membership on a particular issue.

Resolutions are PTA authorities created and adopted by the membership at an Annual Meeting (Convention). Resolutions must meet the following criteria:
- Be in accordance with PTA purposes and policies
- Be prepared according to criteria specified in the California State PTA Resolutions Procedure Book.
A resolution may be initiated by an individual PTA member but must be authorized (voted on) and submitted by a PTA unit, council, or district in good standing, an inter-district committee or the California State PTA Board of Managers.
There are three parts to a PTA Resolution. (Resolutions Procedure Book)
- Preamble: The preamble is a series of statements of fact supporting the reason(s) for the resolution. Each statement begins with the word Whereas. Research is reviewed by the California State PTA Resolutions Committee to ensure criteria defined in the Resolutions Procedure Book have been met. Because these statements must be supported with primary research, and do not provide authority, they are not voted on or changed by delegates at the Annual Meeting (Convention).
- Request for Action: The request for action is a recommendation to the Annual Meeting delegates on how to proceed with the issue set forth in the Whereas statement(s). Each request for action begins with the word Resolved. The Resolved statements are the only part of a PTA Resolution that can be amended by delegates through a vote at the Annual Meeting (Convention). Convention Rules provide more information on the amendment process. Amendments must be submitted at Resolution Hearings or by the deadlines defined in the Convention Rules.
- Background: The Background Summary is a narrative where a Maker can use plain language to define and link facts stated in the Preamble (Whereas) to the actions defined in the Request for Action (Resolved). It does not provide authority and cannot be changed by delegates at the Annual Meeting (Convention).
See the full list of California State PTA Resolutions (scroll down to the bottom of this page).

FAQs

When can I start working on a Resolution?

The deadline to submit a Draft Resolution to California State PTA is November 1^st. The deadline to submit a Final Resolution to California State PTA is January 5^th. There is no set start date for work to begin. Resolution Makers, who have an authorization vote to begin the Resolution process, from a PTA association, may submit a Draft Resolution at any time prior to the November 1 due date.

The California State PTA Resolution Procedure Book defines the process to help makers develop their resolution. Please note, if the work begins during one term and continues into the next, a vote from the new association must be obtained to continue developing the resolution.

How long do Resolutions take?

PTA Resolutions must meet the criteria defined in the California State PTA Resolutions Procedure Book. The length of time to research and write a PTA Resolution depends on the author. There are some firm dates, however:

Resolutions are adopted by the delegates to the California State PTA Annual Meeting (convention) typically held once a year.
A Draft Resolution from units, councils, and districts must be submitted no later than November 1st to the California State PTA Resolutions Committee.
Final Resolution submissions must be submitted by January 5th to the California State PTA Resolutions Committee.
The California State PTA Board of Managers approve placement of the Resolution on the Annual Meeting agenda at their Winter meeting.

What does the term “Maker” mean?

A PTA member or group of members of a unit, council, or district identifies an issue of concern and determines the need for a resolution. One PTA member must chair or lead the committee and is often referred to as the “maker” of the resolution. More information can be found in the California State PTA’s Resolution Procedure Book.

Who can I go to for help with my Resolution?

The Resolutions Procedure Book is the best place to start with any resolution-related questions.

Makers can reach out for support at any time of the year from the California State PTA Resolutions Committee (via email at resolutions@capta.org) once an authorization vote has been taken by a PTA association.
Once a Draft Resolution has been submitted, a mentor or mentoring team from the California State PTA Resolutions Committee will be assigned. For more information see Attachment 3: The Role of the Mentor in the California State PTA Resolutions Procedure Book.
Additionally, all PTA members are welcome to contact the Resolutions Chair, at any time with questions about the process via email at resolutions@capta.org.

What are Resolution Endorsements?

Endorsements (letters of support) can be made by PTA Units, Councils, Districts, and the California State PTA Board of Managers as well as community or education organizations. Endorsements are sought by the maker prior to the California State PTA Winter Board of Managers to show support as a resolution is considered for the Annual Meeting agenda. Endorsements can also be voted on by PTA Associations after review and discussion, typically as part of delegate selection/training in preparation for the Annual Meeting. There is no need to do a work-study to endorse a PTA Resolution.

What should Delegates do to prepare for Resolutions at the Annual Meeting (convention)?

The California State PTA strongly encourages its Unit, Council, and District PTAs to budget for and send as many delegates (voting and non-voting) as possible to each Annual Meeting. Prior to the convention, units, councils, and districts are encouraged to review, discuss and vote on the resolutions to guide delegate action at convention. An endorsement may also be made at this time. Delegates vote according to the association’s intent as their representative.

All delegates are welcome at hearings. Voting delegates should plan to attend at least one Resolution Hearing and all General Meetings to exercise their voting obligation. More information on Annual Meeting (convention) delegates and representation at the convention is outlined in the California State PTA Bylaws, Article XV, Section 5, or request assistance from your PTA District leaders.