JHS PTSA Advocacy Resources
2022/2023   

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • February 6-10 2023 Focus on Advocacy Week (virtual)
  • February 20th Focus Day (in Olympia)
 

Your voice matters!

We need your stories, we need your voice, and we need you!  Help make PTA’s grassroots advocacy a success by connecting with legislators about our priorities during Focus Day and Focus on Advocacy Week.

Focus on Advocacy Week is scheduled for February 6-10, 2023.  During this week, members can participate in daily calls to actions.  Subscribe to WSPTA Action Network

Focus Day will be February 20, 2023, in Olympia and members are encouraged to meet with their legislators about our 2023-2024 Legislative Priorities.  Use the resources in the toolkit below to make appointments and plan successful meetings.

Advocacy is not a one-day event; it is an everyday action.  And so, we encourage members to continue to stay informed and engaged throughout the year, keeping our efforts focused on the mission.  #WSPTAOneVoice

For more information, contact Kristen Dorwin, JHS PTSA Advocacy Chair (advocacy@jhsptsa.com)

Elected Officials - state & local

Upcoming Election: November 8, 2022

  • Ballots will contain two state advisory votes and candidates for US Senate, US Representative, Washington Secretary of State (2-year unexpired term due to a vacancy), the State Legislature, the Washington Supreme Court and other judicial offices. Local offices and propositions may appear on your ballot, too, depending upon what's happening in your community.
  • Representatives in Legislative District 1 are up for election this year
  • Kirkland City Council members are all elected to serve through 12/31/23 or 12/31/25, depending on the position
  • LWSD Board members are elected through 11/23 or 11/25 depending on the position

Register to Vote - VoteWA.gov

  • Online and mail-in forms due by October 31st
  • Register in person up through election day

Washington State PTA (https://www.wastatepta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/)

  • Legislative Assembly - October 15-16th https://www.wastatepta.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-Legislative-Assembly-Voter-Guide_FINAL.pdf
  • Focus Day & Focus Week - February 20th 

Lake Washington Citizens Levy Committee generally promotes LWSD bonds & levies. They do not appear to have an active website at this time.

2022 WSPTA Legislative Assembly

Proposed Issues

  1. Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change
  2. Increasing Education Equity by Closing the Digital Divide
  3. Increasing Support for Equitable Family Engagement
  4. Preventing & Reducing Gun Violence & Suicide
  5. Improve Equitable Identification and Access for Highly Capable Students
  6. Support a Meaningful High School Diploma
  7. Harnessing the Benefits of Mastery-Based Learning
  8. Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis
  9. Building and Maintaining Safer School Facilities
  10. Expanding School Construction Funding Options
  11. Addressing Critical Gaps in Education Funding
  12. Addressing, Funding, Inclusion and Supports in Special Education
  13. Creating a Diverse and Effective Educator Workforce

 

Proposed New Resolution

  1. Equitable and Impactful Family Engagement in Education

Also proposed: edits to 3 existing Resolutions

Top 5 Legislative Priorities for 2023-2024 (selected at the 2023 Legislative Assembly)

  • Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis
  • Addressing Critical Gaps in Education Funding
  • Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide
  • Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education
  • Building and Maintaining Safer School Facilities