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Advocacy

A statewide voice for Michigan children.

Advocacy is at the heart of everything Michigan PTA does. For more than 125 years we have been speaking up for children — in schools, in communities, and before the lawmakers who shape their lives. Here you will find everything you need to understand our priorities, take action, and make your voice heard.

What is advocacy?

Advocacy is supporting and speaking up for children before the schools, communities, and government bodies that make decisions affecting their lives.

Since 1897, PTA advocates have shaped American childhood. The results speak for themselves:

  • Creation of kindergarten classes
  • Child labor laws
  • Public health service
  • Juvenile justice system
  • Mandatory immunization
  • National school lunch program

Michigan PTA has carried this legacy forward since 1918. When you advocate through Michigan PTA, your voice joins a statewide and national movement for every child.

What we advocate for

Michigan PTA's priorities span the policies, funding, and protections every child needs to learn and thrive.

  • Family engagement in education

    Ensuring families are informed partners in their children's schooling.

  • Quality education for all children

    Advocating for equitable access to excellent public education statewide.

  • Adequate funding for education

    Promoting fiscal responsibility and fair use of public education dollars.

  • Child health and nutrition

    Supporting children's physical and mental well-being in and out of school.

  • Safe schools and communities

    Working toward environments where every child feels protected and included.

  • Fair juvenile justice laws

    Advocating for laws that treat young people fairly and support rehabilitation.

Resolutions and position statements

Michigan PTA's active resolutions and position statements.

View all advocacy →

Advocacy resources for leaders

Informational advocacy materials for PTA leaders — including the Resolutions Committee process and voter guides. These are reference documents, not resolutions or position statements.

How you can advocate today

  • Meet with school leaders to discuss key issues in your district
  • Attend a school board meeting or consider serving on your school board
  • Work with school and state leaders to promote strong family engagement policies
  • Sign up for the Michigan PTA VoterVoice network
  • Write a letter to the editor on the importance of family engagement
  • Educate your lawmakers on PTA's federal public policy priorities
  • Join the Michigan PTA Advocacy Committee

Get involved

  • General Advocacy Group

    Open to all Michigan PTA supporters. Sign up to receive advocacy alerts and announcements as they happen.

  • Michigan Advocacy Committee

    A more active role for experienced advocates. Ideal for those with past PTA experience or a background in children's education advocacy.

    childadvocacyvp@michiganpta.org

More ways to make your voice heard