PTA defines advocacy as the act of mobilizing individuals and Local PTAs to work with the state office and National PTA to spark changes in programs and policies that benefit children.  Local advocacy, however, is specific to our school district.  CRHS PTSA takes pride in its advocacy role and will work with the RRISD Council of PTAs, other campuses/PTA organizations and community groups to provide information to our staff, faculty, parents and students.

 

In all cases, CRHS PTSA will abide by the Texas PTA guidelines and policies regarding advocacy.  These include, but are not limited to:

 

Non-partisan Policy: PTA takes a stand on issues and principles - not on candidates or political parties.  Issues may become identified with partisan politics because of differing approaches to the solution, the basic principles involving the welfare of children and youth are matters of public concern, and there, PTA business.

 

Non-sectarian Policy: PTA welcomes into membership people representing a diversity of cultures, ethnic backgrounds and political and religious beliefs.  Membership in PTA is open, without discrimination, to anyone who believes in and supports the mission and purposes of National PTA.

 

Non-commercial Policy: The name "PTA" or the names of its officers shall not be used in conjunction with the commercial activities of other organizations including, but not limited to, the promotion of their goods and services.  This policy should be applied with judgment, discretion and common sense, recognizing that it is not meant to prohibit all contact or cooperation with such groups.  Before accepting donations of goods or services, a PTA association, at any level, should consider whether such acceptance might be construed as an endorsement of the provider.  

 

School Board Elections: Leadership on local boards of education is of vital interest to all PTA members.  To help the people of the community ascertain the qualifications of the candidates for the school board, a local or Council PTA may participate in, initiate or sponsor a public meeting for this purpose.  Invite all community groups to send representatives to the meeting sot hat qualifications of each candidate may be thoroughly discussed and widely publicized.  All candidates must be asked to speak in order to avoid even the appearance of partisanship or discrimination.