Programs + Events

Student Advocacy Voices Webinars

California State PTA’s Legislative Advocacy Team is launching Student Advocacy Voices, a free virtual webinar series in 2026. The series brings together students, educators, PTA leaders and guest speakers for interactive events focused on civic engagement, voter registration, and student-led advocacy. By offering this series virtually, we’re opening the door to the broadest possible statewide participation. Students from every corner of California — from the smallest rural community to the largest urban district — can join, learn, and lead. There’s no travel required, no cost, and no barrier to showing up.

Every year, millions of young people become eligible to vote — and California has led the way in welcoming them, with nearly 1.5 million students preregistered since the state’s preregistration program launched in 2016. But too many students still aren’t given the tools, training, or encouragement to take that first step. High schools are the most efficient and equitable way to reach young people and help them build a lifelong habit of civic participation — including the 40 percent who will not attend college.

This is about more than preparing young people to cast a ballot. It’s about recognizing that students have a vital role to play in our democracy right now — and that PTA has always believed student voices make our communities stronger. When we invest in civic engagement during high school, we foster the knowledge, habits, and connections that strengthen democracy for a lifetime.

Student Advocacy Voices is student-focused and student-led, with active roles for young people in planning, presenting, and asking the questions that matter to them. PTA leaders and adult members are welcome at most events and will find tools and resources they can bring back to their local PTAs.

 

Calendar of Events