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PTA Connects - September 15, 2022
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Committees: The Secret to Getting Things Done
Are you wondering how your executive board can possibly plan, promote, and implement all the activities you hope to have? Are you looking for ways to engage new PTA members or those with limited time to volunteer? Effective PTA leaders know the answer to both of these questions is to form committees! Read the Leadership Services Commission’s blog post for tips, considerations, responsibilities and goals to create successful committees!
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PTAs Can Help Get Out the Vote!
Along with our adult advocacy, California State PTA has long encouraged students’ civic engagement and citizenship education more generally. Many PTAs coordinate voter registration campaigns as part of their advocacy programs to engage families and students. Read our blog post to learn how to obtain voter registration cards and tips for conducting a voter registration drive.
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Program Grants for PTAs!
It's time to apply for a California State PTA program grant! The deadline is October 15 for online applications.
Is your PTA researching a new outreach program or perhaps expanding on current success? Available to unit, council, and district PTAs in good standing, these annual grants help local PTAs develop programs and projects in four areas:
- Parent Education,
- Cultural Arts,
- Outreach/Translation, and
- Healthy Lifestyles.
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Read Previous Grant Winners' Inspiring Stories!
Not sure what to apply for? Read the stories from the 2021 local California PTAs that received the extra resources they needed to turn great program ideas into reality! The grant amounts ranged from $800 to $2,000 dollars, based on the application each school submitted last year. Click here to read now!
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Mock Elections Generate Real Election Excitement For Students
While many middle and high school students may not yet be able to vote officially, they can participate in mock elections. Many PTAs offer mock elections as a student program to teach students about the elections process, the electoral college, and upcoming ballot initiatives. Read the blog post from our Legislative Advocacy Team to find resources and details on how to run a Mock Election.
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Local PTAs Successfully Advocate For School Facilities Improvements
Many PTAs provide opportunities for their members to advocate directly with local elected officials. Read our blog post to learn more about how Palos Verdes Peninsula Council of PTAs’ event, Capitol Comes to Town, created civic engagement, an engaging and interactive learning opportunity for students, parents and teachers, and ultimately garnered state funds for a local facility improvement.
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New Nationwide Mental Health Hotline
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will connect to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. Share the number. Encourage open conversations about mental health. Read our Health & Community Concerns Commissions blog post for more info:
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PTA Advocacy for the November 8th Ballot
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California State PTA Supports Prop 31: Prohibit Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products
With flavors like “cotton candy,” “mango slushy,” and “chocolate,” vaping tobacco products have become increasingly popular among youth as young as 4th grade. That’s why California State PTA and the majority of California legislators supported Senate Bill (SB) 793, which was signed into law in 2020. The law would have prohibited the sale of flavored tobacco products.
Opponents of SB 793 put Proposition 31 on the November Ballot. We need every parent, educator, and child advocate to affirm the 2020 law by supporting Proposition 31, in the process defeating the opponents of SB 793. In other words, if approved/supported by the voters (YES votes) this proposition would allow SB 793 to go into effect and make it illegal to sell flavored tobacco products in the state of California: a law that would protect the children and families of California.
Read the full blog post for more information, including what PTAs can do to support Prop 31, which is on the November 8, 2022 ballot, in your community.
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PTAs Can Use Their Organizational Voice to Lend Support & Protect Our Kids
Because the California State PTA has already adopted a YES position on Proposition 31, local PTAs can use that as their authority for their own local advocacy. PTAs can use this opportunity to share the harmful effects of tobacco on growing children as well as long-term harmful effects on society. Some resources can be found here. You can use your regular local meetings, social media channels, and other PTA communication methods to encourage your community to support Prop 31. Read the full blog post for more information!
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California State PTA Supports Prop 28: Art & Music in Public Schools
For almost thirty-five years, California State PTA has strongly and actively advocated for a full curriculum that includes the arts. Arts education supports all kids. The passage of Proposition 28 is expected to generate more than $900 million a year in dedicated new funding for arts and music education for all public schools across California - without raising taxes. The measure helps address cuts to arts education which have occurred in many California school districts. Studies show that the arts keep students in school, increase the graduation rate, increase academic performance, and add to students’ ability to create, collaborate, think critically, and communicate.
Read the full blog post for more information, including what PTAs can do to support Prop 28, which is on the November 8, 2022 ballot, in your community.
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PTAs Can Use Their Organizational Voice to Lend Support
Because the California State PTA has already adopted a YES position on Proposition 28, local PTAs can use that as their authority for their own local advocacy. Many PTAs in California already actively advocate for arts education, for equity, and for strong education funding. This measure has all three! Some resources can be found here. You can use your regular PTA meetings, social media channels, newsletters, and other PTA communications methods to encourage your community to support Prop 28. Read the full blog post for more information!
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INFORMATION FOR LOCAL PTA LEADERS
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Reflections Theme Search - Now Open!
Students - do you have a great idea for the 2024-2025 Reflections Theme Search that will inspire future young artists to create original works?
Share it! Entries are being sought in California now through November 1st. California theme idea winners will be forwarded to National PTA for consideration. The student who submits the winning entry will receive a prize! Scan or mail the Theme Search Entry Form or submit the digital form. Find additional details and the entry form on our website.
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Get Your PTA/PTSA Programs Recognized
California State PTA wants to put your great programs and advocacy into the Spotlight! We hope you’ll tell us about the great things you’re doing, from advocacy and family engagement to student involvement and leadership development. Your PTA/PTSA can be recognized for the work you have already planned to carry out this year. It is our mission in PTA to positively impact the lives of all children and families - it is a team effort. Learn more about this award and apply on the new leaders’ website (leaders.capta.org).
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Make Plans to Hit all the Stops on the Membership Drive!
Whether you’re driving steadily or speeding towards your membership goals this is your reminder to keep your membership goals aligned with the Membership Incentives that have up-and-coming deadlines. Download the map and learn more through the new leaders' website, including upcoming opportunities in October!
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Save the Date Now!
Don't miss another event! Visit the calendar on our website now and save the date for upcoming training, networking, and special guest presentations. Fall Events include
- Screenside Chat - a monthly zoom conversation with California State PTA President Carol Green and special guests. Topics vary by month.
- TONIGHT! Leadership monthly member zoom - get your PTA questions answered by our Leadership Services Commission!
- Legislative Team monthly member zoom - PTA advocacy updates. Topics vary by month.
- TONIGHT! Communications monthly member zoom - office hours, social media updates, and communications tools support/help.
- Membership Office Hours - get your questions answered and the support you need to meet your membership goals:
- September 28
- October 11
- October 27
- Reflections Training - Virtual Form + Judging - Join the Reflections Committee on September 27 at 7:00pm. Register now!
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