“Advocacy is the art of focused persuasion to
bring positive change at the local, state and national levels.” (Anon.)  

The following action items help you set the stage for effective advocacy.  

• Determine the Issues.  Know the pros and cons of your issue and what information is available, forthcoming or lacking.
• Build a Volunteer Network. Change occurs as a result of grassroots pressure. Determine where you are likely to get support and what you will need to bring these supporters on board.
• Organize Around Goals. Break issues into short-term sustainable goals. They should be action-oriented, clearly defined and focused on what can be accomplished.
• Identify Targets and Tactics. Describe the goals and objectives for each activity you plan to undertake, the audience it is intended to influence, and the range of potential outcomes.
• Build Coalitions-Maximize Resources. The more people working on your issue, the greater the chances of getting what you want. Coalitions can maximize support and increase your strength.
• Develop a Message that Resonates. Message is the disciplined delivery of PTA core beliefs that inform the public how the issues affect their families and communities.
• Use the Media. Develop relationships with media by becoming a credible source of information, staging newsworthy events, releasing information, and always telling the truth.
• Communicate with Decision Makers. The more decision makers you contact and persuade with your message, the better your chances are of achieving PTA priorities.
• Use WSPTA and National PTA Resources. There is a wealth of information your State and National PTA have available for your use.
• Put It All Together. Create a written plan in which you identify PTA goals, organizational capacity, target audiences, potential allies, opposition, and the activities to be pursued.
• Get Out There and Just Do It! Everychild. Onevoice, WSPTA.

Adapted from National PTA’s Guide to Effective Advocacy.