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It is critical that all PTA members demonstrate their role as child advocates by becoming educated about candidates for public office and their positions on legislative issues that are important to children and public schools. By exercising our democratic right to vote, we are able to give children a voice. This is especially critical in the upcoming elections on November 4, 2008.

In the 2008 federal elections, voters will determine our president, our vice president, all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and 35 U.S. senators. In state elections, voters will elect 11 governors, more than 6,500 state house and senate members, and countless mayors, regents, city council members, boards of supervisors, county officials, and school board trustees. Your vote can make a difference for our children and communities.

If you want to learn how your PTA can participate in the election process, download the PTA Votes 2008 Election Guide. 
 
PTA Votes / Election Activities: PTA Election Guide
As you begin to learn more about the candidates, keep in mind that every candidate will say that he or she supports public education. The real question is, how far will that support go?

A strong public education candidate:

• Knows education policy; the federal, state, and local laws that govern public education; and    the responsibilities of the desired office.
  
  
• Makes public education a high priority in his or her political platform.
  
  
• Knows about school reform and ways to improve public schools. Solicits opinions and viewpoints from citizens through polling, town meetings, community conversations, and face-to-face discussions.
  
  
• Has prior experience with public education policy.
  
  
• Has a clear message about public education priorities.
  
  
• Has a realistic funding plan to support public education improvements and ensure adequate resources for all schools.  Communicates who will be held accountable.

MNPTACapwiz is a page within the MNPTA website to assist you in your advocacy efforts. MNPTACapwiz offers five ways to deliver your advocacy messages to officials, media contacts, and other recipients that you specify. Choose from e-mail, hand delivery, fax, telephone, and/or postal mail.  You may also find out who your elected officials are, who the candidates are that are running in local, state and national elections as well as research and learn about issues and legislation.

The League of Women Voter's of Minnesota has a Voter's Guide available in all statewide Target stores beginning October 13th. 

Mn PTA Advocacy Committee
Advocacy is a major component for each level of the PTA.  From the local school boards to federal legislation, members of the PTA voices are being heard for our children. 
 
Our goal for MN is to have a contact person from each local unit that we can communicate what is happening at both the state and federal level.  We are also looking for people interested in sitting on the Advocacy Commission board.  If you are interested, please contact Mari Pokornowski 320.260.4074 or mariurnessp @yahoo.com