The Washington State PTA mission is building a better world for all children. From the first convocation held by the founding "National Congress of Mothers" in 1897, PTA has been advocating for children, their rights to health, safety, education, and general welfare. The guidelines that follow are not designed to stifle efforts to improve children’s lives; we are in the "business" of advocacy for children. These guidelines are based on Washington law and interpretations from the Public Disclosure Commission in order that our advocacy efforts are within legal parameters.

PTA organizations never support or oppose candidates. The organization is non-partisan. PTA units, as well as the Washington State PTA, will support or oppose ballot issues that impact the lives of children. These issues can be statewide (such as initiatives) or local (levy and/or bond) elections. In addition, PTA members are encouraged to lobby their legislators on legislation that impacts children.

Being a private non-profit organization, PTA, when using its own resources, can communicate freely with their members regarding issues and positions. Communication – electronic, written, telephone – can be persuasive and/or factual as the need arises.

Since PTAs often work closely with schools, Public Disclosure Commission guidelines for school districts in election campaigns should be considered in certain circumstances. When PTAs use school facilities or "kid mail" as part of a school activity, persuasive election or grassroots lobbying messages should not be used. While the PTA would probably not be accountable in such instances, the school would be accountable, as RCW 42.17.130 prohibits the use of public office or agency facilities in campaigns.

Two activity arenas that are sometimes in question involve:

• Use of "kid mail," or mail such as PTA newsletters that are sent home with children by teachers or other school employees; and

• Use of school buildings for meetings at which legislative information may be distributed.

Since communication to parents sent by the school/PTA via children does involve utilization of "public funds," "kid mail" should not be persuasive relative to election or lobbying issues. If it does contain such advocacy information, e.g., "Vote for I-728 on Tuesday," the school district (not PTA) could be judged to be non-compliant with the law.

However, factual information can be included in "kid mail" which encourages "civic duty." For example, at the beginning of the legislative session or immediately before it begins, a listing of district legislators and contact information as well as the Legislative Hotline number would be appropriate and helpful. Printing such information (when never having done it before) at a time before a vote on a critical issue might be questioned by a school district official. In addition, minutes of PTA meetings that report positions taken by PTA can be included if such minutes appear in a "usual and customary" way. If the newsletter, for example, always includes a column or article on PTA minutes, it is totally permissible to report actions such as endorsements of election issues or legislative positions. Legislative bill reports that are informational only can be included in "kid mail."

Reminding members to vote and/or encouraging them to register to vote can be viewed as "civic duty" and is permissible. Again, it would be advisable to have this information shared in a "usual" and "customary" way – not just once a year before a levy election.

2.  School Facilities Guidelines

If the PTA has obtained a school building use permit for a PTA event – sock hop or meeting – that event site is termed a "neutral forum;" other groups could use the same facilities for their meetings. At such ("neutral forum") meetings that are singly PTA sponsored, legislative and election messages can be distributed. If only PTAs are allowed to use the facility, distribution of such literature might be questioned, as the PTAs would be somewhat "wedded" to the school. If the PTA and the school jointly sponsor the function, questions might be raised about campaign literature distribution, as some public school funds might be involved; campaign literature should not be distributed at these events.

Another "facility" sometimes used by PTAs involves e-mail or website accessibility. If groups in addition to the PTA – e.g., Boy Scouts – are able to use the library’s e-mail and other services, that facility is again termed a "neutral forum." Since the forum is neutral, PTA members can share election and lobbying persuasive information electronically. If however, only PTA has such electronic use, the public agency rules are in force, and such persuasive information should be avoided.

Thanks to Public Disclosure Commission staff – Executive Director Vicki Rippie and Director of Public Outreach Douglas Ellis -- for their help in review of these guidelines. Website for the PDC: www.pdc.wa.gov

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