ALEXANDRIA, VA. (March 6, 2012) – National PTA® this week is recognizing California PTA for receiving the National PTA Outstanding Advocacy Award. The state PTA played an integral role in passage of anti-bullying legislation within the California legislature. 

California PTA used a comprehensive advocacy approach: sponsoring California Assembly Bill 1156 (1156); testifying at all committee hearings relevant to the legislation; partnering with legislators to secure key endorsements from statewide education organizations and associations; and issuing action alerts to mobilize grassroots advocacy efforts.  

Through the state PTA’s steadfast commitment to the bill, AB 1156 was passed by the California Assembly and Senate, and signed into law by California’s Governor on October 9, 2011.

California PTA will be recognized along with other Advocacy Award recipients this week during the National PTA® Legislative Conference (March 7-8) in Washington, DC. The two-day conference provides ‘grasstop’ leaders from across the country an in-depth look at the latest National PTA Public Policy Agenda through a series of workshops, skill building trainings, panel discussions and guest speakers. Parent leaders will then visit with congressional leaders to advocate for effective family engagement in education and equity and opportunity in education for all children.

In addition, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will also meet with National PTA leaders and discuss the state of education during a special keynote address. The complete agenda for the conference can be found here. For more information about the National PTA Legislative Conference, please visit www.pta.org.  The 2012 National PTA Federal Public Policy Agenda can be viewed at www.pta.org/public_policy_agenda.asp.

About the Outstanding Advocacy Award
The Outstanding Advocacy Award is presented to a state PTA that, through its dedication, leadership and efforts positively affected legislative and/or regulatory policy compatible with National PTA’s mission and goals. These efforts must be based on a statewide issue, involve working with multiple organizations or coalitions through grassroots collaboration, and contain a public awareness/advocacy training component for PTA members and the community at large.

About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers,administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.