Advocacy

September 2025 - There is no better moment than now to be an advocate in education


Why is advocacy with the PTA important? 
The Purpose of PTA is to promote the welfare of children in schools and the community by supporting parent involvement in the educational process, advocating for quality education, and collaborating with the school to ensure our children reach their full potential.

How to be an effective advocate for all children:
1. Define your issue
2. Get the facts  
3. Go to the right person 
    * Be reasonable
    * Be respectful
    * Be persistent
    * Follow up

Stay Informed:
When you join our Arroyo Vista PTA, your membership extends to four other associations:        

* Capistrano Unified Council PTA
   Here is the report from the September meeting:
   https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xs4u12aLJhPgExU4F4INuIftKbPuCFfHZxYG9PPTwJs/edit?usp=sharing

* Fourth District PTA
   This is their monthly publication:
   https://www.fourthdistrictpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Advocacy-Communicator-SEPT-2025.pdf

* California State PTA
   A message from our new California State PTA President:
   https://capta.org/back-to-school-with-pta/

* National PTA 
  https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy 


Take Action:
Read and Learn
Learn how California's education system works, so you can make a difference:
Here are some common acronyms used in education: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Juyy0mYmIOlBdIxmNrdgzeVQ54_jnaWLH9tD47nIowc/edit?usp=sharing

Use your Voice
* Take this survey (Survey will close Sunday, September 21, 2025):
   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iHUW77XTHB9nyEiyJI8sYk4jVj3fE7S2WIfVi3XHe8w/viewform?ts=68b0939b&edit_requested=true
* Write to your elected officials 
   https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy/take-action

Show Up
* Friday, September 19    8:15 AM    Coffee with Chris 
  Meet with the Superintendent of our school district to hear the most up to date information and ask questions
  Truman Benedict Elementary School
  1251 Calle Sarmentoso
  San Clemente
* Friday, September 26    9:30 AM    Advocacy Forum
   Come learn how PTA leaders can support and advocate for all students and families including immigrant students and families. 
   Orange County Department of Education Building D
   200 Kalmus Drive
   Costa Mesa
                                                              
Do you want to do more but are unsure how you can help? Reach out to Advocacy@arroyovistapta.org to find out how to join the A-Team.