Greetings fellow
advocates of Washington State PTA. As you know, WSPTA recently voted on
our short-term (two-year) platform for the upcoming two legislative
sessions. We're excited that we have such a strong, whole child focused
short-term platform to guide our discussions and activities in Olympia.
However, WSPTA's
membership also added three new items to our long-term platform, and we
want to make sure you know both about these new items, and the long-term
platform in general.
In WSPTA's
nomenclature, our long-term platform is composed of Resolutions, which remain
on the platform until/unless amended or removed by vote of the membership (at
either Legislative Assembly or Convention).
While our short-term
platform gets a lot of attention, it's imperative to remember that we are always
looking for ways we can advance our long-term platform as well. Typically,
Resolutions cover topics that take longer than a single two-year period to
significantly move forward.
By having Resolutions
that remain part of our guidance for direct advocacy, WSPTA strengthens both
our ability to advocate for children, and the perception of our strength as an
organization by those policy-makers with whom we work year after year.
So what are the three
new additions to our Resolutions? First up is a resolution regarding sensory
disorders, including (but not limited to) Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia,and Dyspraxia. This resolution offers guidance to WSPTA's long-term efforts to
embody the philosophy that, when we say we advocate for all children,
all means all. Creating and supporting inclusive classrooms that are
well-suited for learners of all ability-levels is good for all of our children,
and this resolution is built on that principle.
Next, WSPTA passed a
Washington-specific version of National PTA's resolution on Child Sex Trafficking. Sadly, Washington is a hotbed of activity for child sex
traffickers because of both our state's geography, and our proximity to
international borders. Supporting efforts to end this scourge is wholly
aligned with the mission and vision of WSPTA, and this resolution gives us
guidance on how we can participate in helping the children caught in this
horrific practice.
Finally, WSPTA passed
a resolution regarding Mitigating Environmental Hazards and Contaminants in Schools. This resolution provides guidance as WSPTA leads and participates in
discussions about ensuring environmental safety is a high priority in our
schools, while acknowledging that practices and policies at the district and
school levels need to be aligned with current best-practices.
Of course, these
three new resolutions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to WSPTA's
long-term platform. We ask that you familiarize yourself with our standing Resolutions
and keep them in mind as you have conversations in your homes, schools, and
communities.
As always, WSPTA's
leadership is here to serve you. Never hesitate to reach out if there's
something we can do to help. Your service to the children of the state of
Washington is supremely appreciated!
Note: An updated version of the resolutions will be posted soon.
Note: An updated version of the resolutions will be posted soon.
Duncan Taylor
WSPTA Legislative
Director
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