By the California State PTA Education Commission and Legislative Advocacy Team
Speak up. Show up. Use your voice. Because when we work together, every child’s potential becomes reality.
Every time you speak up for your child, you’re using your voice as an advocate. Have you asked your child’s teacher for extra help with math? Spoken to the principal about crosswalk safety? Contacted your school board about budget priorities? That’s your voice in action—and it matters.
We use our voices every day to advocate for what we want, need, and believe in – at doctor’s appointments, at work, and in our communities. Advocacy isn’t reserved for professionals in suits roaming the halls of Congress. It’s something we do naturally.
PTA helps you direct that voice to support the children and families who need it most—and amplifies it so decision-makers hear you.
Advocacy Driven by Our Members
In a time of deep polarization and frustration, PTA offers something rare: a nonpartisan, nonsectarian space where people can unite around shared values for children. Outside interests or individuals don’t drive our advocacy—you drive it.
California State PTA’s legislative work is guided by resolutions and position statements created and adopted by our members. When delegates vote at our Annual Meeting, they set the direction for statewide advocacy. This means the issues we champion come directly from families and communities across California—not from any political party or outside agenda.
Using Your Voice at Every Level
How can you use your voice through the PTA? Members have opportunities at every level—from your own school to the halls of Congress.
Individual advocacy begins at home and in the classroom. When you attend a parent-teacher conference, ask questions at a school board meeting, or share concerns with your principal, you’re using your voice for your child. Your personal experience and perspective matter—no one knows your child and community better than you do.
Local PTAs translate individual concerns into collective action that can support all children. Together, members address campus-specific needs: safer drop-off procedures, healthier cafeteria options, and more inclusive programming. Local units, councils, and districts also build relationships with school district officials and city councils, ensuring families have a seat at every table where decisions about children are made.
State advocacy amplifies your voice in Sacramento. California State PTA has championed landmark legislation protecting children and supporting families—from later school start times to safe schools protections. When local PTAs identify patterns affecting students statewide, state advocacy teams work to support laws, regulations, and policies to create impact.
National PTA coordinates advocacy across all fifty states, speaking before Congress and federal agencies on issues like education funding, child nutrition, and school safety. Each year, National PTA publishes policy priorities that guide our collective work, ensuring millions of members speak for every child with one voice.
Your Voice Matters
The beauty of PTA advocacy is that every level strengthens the others. When you mention a concern to your local PTA president, you might spark a statewide initiative. When you sign up for action alerts, your voice joins thousands pressing for change.
You don’t need special training or expertise. You already have everything you need: your experience as a parent, family member, educator, or community member who cares about children.
PTA was founded in 1897 by women who understood the power of individual action to change the world for all children. That legacy continues through you.
Take the Next Step
Ready to use your voice for every child? Join us at California State PTA’s Legislative Conference (LegCon) on February 2-3, 2026 in Sacramento for two transformative days of legislative training and direct advocacy. You’ll learn how the legislative process works, connect with fellow advocates from across the state, and meet with lawmakers who make decisions affecting our children every day.
Can’t make it to Sacramento? Connect with the California State PTA Legislation and Advocacy Team throughout 2026. Sign up for action alerts, attend virtual trainings, and add your voice to campaigns that matter. Visit capta.org/advocacy to learn more.
Speak up. Show up. Use your voice. Because when we work together, every child’s potential becomes reality.