KYPTA | Advocacy | Advocating for Children

Advocacy http://www.kypta.org/ 2010-03-05T16:04:52Z Blueprint for Kentucky's Children Video http://ww.kypta.org/site/advocacy/blueprint-for-kentuckys-children-video.html 2010-03-05T16:04:52Z

<p>Kentucky Youth Advocates</p> <div>Thanks to all of you who joined us for the 6th Annual Children's Advocacy Day at the Capitol last month! Over 600 advocates from across <span style="border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand" id="lw_1267823058_8">Kentucky</span> registered for the day and we estimate that more than 800 of you joined us at the Capitol to tell legislators that it's time to invest in Kentucky's youth. Thanks for standing up for kids!</div> <div> </div> <div>We started the day with a rally which unveiled <span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand" id="lw_1267823058_9">The Blueprint</span> for Kentucky’s Children, a common agenda for kids – through the voices of <span style="border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand" id="lw_1267823058_10">child advocates</span> from all across Kentucky in a 10 minute video. The video includes Kentuckians in all walks of life – doctors, teachers, <span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand" id="lw_1267823058_11">public health experts</span>, elected officials, members of the military, seniors, and kids – and each one of them have the same vision – a Kentucky that is the best place to be young</div> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmQ27EoXXZs">Blueprint for Kentucky's Children Video</a></p> <p>Questions? Contact <span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand" id="lw_1267823058_14">Preston Parsons</span> at <a href="mailto:pparsons@kyyouth.org "><strong><span id="lw_1267823058_15">pparsons@kyyouth.org</span></strong> </a>or <span style="border-bottom: #0066cc 1px dashed; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; cursor: hand" id="lw_1267823058_16">502-895-8167 x 123</span>.</p> Advocating for Children http://ww.kypta.org/site/advocacy/ky-pta-advocating-for-children.html 2010-02-25T16:22:42Z

<p><strong>What is advocacy? <br /> </strong>Anyone who speaks for another is an advocate. PTA is an advocate for children and their families on a wide variety of child-related issues in the areas of education, health and well being, and parent involvement. The purpose of advocacy is to communicate to decision makers to inform, educate, persuade or increase the level of awareness about an issue. Decision makers include elected and appointed officials, legislative bodies, school boards, SBDM Councils, and judges.</p> <ul> <li>Keep informed about the issues</li> <li>Choose issues important to your membership</li> <li>Build support of members for your cause</li> <li>Learn to work together</li> <li>Recruit new members</li> <li>Take risks</li> <li>Retain your commitment to change</li> </ul> <p><b>How are PTA positions developed?</b> All PTA positions are derived from voted positions. The Kentucky PTA Legislative Platform and resolutions are approved each year by delegates at annual convention. Each local PTA/PTSA in good standing is entitled to be represented at the annual convention of the Kentucky PTA by its president, or alternate; and one (1) additional delegate for every twenty-five (25) members or a major fraction thereof. All legislation supported or opposed by the Kentucky PTA is based on the voted positions of the Kentucky and National PTA.</p> <p><b>PTA: A Voice for All Children and Youth</b><br /> Children can't vote. Lawmakers, whether they serve in state legislatures or the U.S. Congress, listen to voting blocks. Because children can not vote and are therefore not heard, PTAs across the country exist as their voice. Whether they are trying to ensure children are immunized against disease, have access to a quality education, or protected against school violence, PTA members make themselves heard - everychild.onevoice. Add your name to the KY PTA legislative contact list by contacting Sharon Whitworth, KY PTA Legislative Commissioner at <a href="mailto:sharon.whitworth@jefferson.kyschools.us">sharon.whitworth@jefferson.kyschools.us</a></p> <p><strong>Kentucky PTA:  Paul Mason Legislative Advocate for Children Award -- Joe Brothers</strong>, chair of the Kentucky Board of Education and <strong>Sharon Whitworth</strong>, Kentucky PTA Legislative Commissioner and past Kentucky PTA President were presented Paul Mason Legislative Advocate for Children Awards at Convention/Leadership July 16, 2009.  Both were cited for their exceptional efforts advocating for children and educational issues.  Mr. Brothers has served at the local, district, and state arenas in Kentucky emphasizing the need for improvement of opportunties, as well as the need for higher student success levels. As legislative commissioner for Kentucky PTA, Sharon has worked countless hours on reducing barriers to underserved children and families in Kentucky.  Our congratulations to Joe Brothers and Sharon Whitworth. </p> <p> </p> Kentucky PTA Legislative Priorities http://ww.kypta.org/site/advocacy/kentucky-pta-legislative-priorities.html 2010-02-25T16:23:08Z

<p>Each year the Kentucky PTA legislative team reviews the issues that we will focus on during the upcoming legislative session. Using both the adopted Kentucky PTA and National PTA legislative platforms and resolutions as a reference and considering the needs in Kentucky, the legislative team drafts proposed priorities to present to the state board of directors. The board votes on these suggested priorities at the fall board meeting. Upon adoption, the priorities are delivered to each Kentucky legislator at the beginning of the yearly session. They are also shared with our many partners in education and health and safety.</p> <div> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><u><span style="font-size: x-small"><b>2010 Kentucky PTA Legislative Priorities</b></span></u></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b>Kentucky PTA’s 2010 Legislative Focus Areas</b></div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Support adequate funding in education for all children</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Support regulations on labeling and marketing energy drinks (stimulants) to any child 18 years of age or under.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Support increase physical activities during the school day for K-12 students.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Support strong regulations that will include Art Education in the core requirements for a high quality comprehensive public education.</div> </div> <p><b>Education Funding   </b></p> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Kentucky PTA is concerned that 20 years ago (1990) state funding for K-12 education was higher than it is today (2010).</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Kentucky PTA opposes the use of public funds for non-public schools, including charter schools, vouchers, tax credits, and student transportation.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Funding to support the parent involvement recommendations listed for involving families & community in improving student achievement in the KDE Commissioner’s Parent Advisory Council’s report, called “The Missing Piece of the Proficiency Puzzle”, presented to KDE, June 2007.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Funding to support nurses in all schools.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Full funding for full day kindergarten.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Full funding for preschool which provides the flexibility necessary to allow districts to serve “at risk” three year old children if all eligible “at risk” four year old children are served.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Full funding for Family Resource and Youth Service Centers (FRYSC).</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Full funding for the School Facilities Construction Programs based on current needs assessment.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Increase funding for Gifted & Talented and Special Needs programs.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Funding technology to meet the state’s education technology goals.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Funding for the School Based Decision Making Council’s Parent FBI records check.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b> </b></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b>School Based Decision Making</b></div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Add at least one additional parent to school based decision making councils.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b>School Based Employee Compensation</b></div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Support compensation for employees that will include, but is not limited to, an increase in salaries and health benefits.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b>Health and Safety Issues</b></div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Support emphasis on the importance of nutrition education, and encourage the implementation of a Coordinated School Health Program in Kentucky schools.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Support an increase in physical activities during school day.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Support an increase in cigarette tax and taxing of other tobacco products.</div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Support regulations for marketing and labeling energy drinks for children ages 18 and under.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b>Position Statement</b></div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.4in"><span>·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">         </span></span>Kentucky PTA believes that the state must fully fund all programs it mandates to local school districts either by legislation or regulation.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"> </div> <b> </b></div> Legislative Team, Legislative Alerts http://ww.kypta.org/site/advocacy/legislative-team,-legislative-alerts.html 2010-02-25T16:28:08Z

<p>The legislative team leader is appointed by the President of Kentucky PTA and serves on the Kentucky PTA Board of Directors. Five team members, appointed by the president, work with the team leader to monitor legislative activity in Frankfort and attend committee meetings and sessions of the House and Senate. This team also collaborates with various partners on education, health and welfare legislation that impacts children and youth.</p> <p><strong>2009-2011</strong> <b>Kentucky PTA Legislative Team:</b></p> <ul> <li><a href="mailto:sharon.whitworth@jefferson.kyschools.us">Sharon Whitworth</a>, Taylorsville - Team Leader</li> <li><a href="mailto:liza@lizaholland.com">Liza Holland</a><font color="#0000ff">, </font><font color="#000000">Lexington</font></li> <li><a href="mailto:mhelf51133@aol.com">Marlene Helfrich</a>, Louisville</li> <li><a href="mailto:jjackskpta@aol.com">Janice Jackson</a><font color="#0000ff">,</font> Prospect</li> <li><a href="mailto:ptapeep@gmail.com">Myrdin Thompson</a><font color="#0033cc">,</font> Louisville</li> </ul> <p> If you are interested in being added to the Kentucky PTA Legislative Alert e-mail list, please contact <a href="mailto:kyptakelly@bellsouth.net">kyptakelly@bellsouth.net </a></p> <p> </p> Advocacy Training http://ww.kypta.org/site/advocacy/advocacy-training.html 2010-02-25T16:28:49Z

<p>PTA is very concerned that Kentucky continues to rank in the bottom ten among states for child well-being.  Children's Advocacy Day at the Capitol began in 2004 as an effort to unite advocates from across the state to raise their voices together on behalf of children's and families' safety, health, education, and economic well-being.  Hundreds of advocates represent more than 40 counties bring children's needs to state legislators. </p> <p>The impact of this advocacy day is determined by <strong>YOU!  We encourage all PTA youth and youth advocates to speak up about what's happening in Kentucky.</strong></p> <p>Children's Advocacy Day at the Capitol is held in Frankfort in <strong>February of each year</strong>.  Kentucky PTA "Speaking Up For Children" participants and other Kentucky PTA leaders will join advocates at the Capitol Rotunda for a rally and meetings with legislators on children's issues.  For further information on Children's Advocacy Day at the Capitol contact <a href="http://www.kyyouth.org">www.kyyouth.org</a></p> <p> </p> Join National PTA Member To Member Network http://ww.kypta.org/site/advocacy/join-national-pta-member-to-member-network.html 2010-02-25T16:29:23Z

<p>Receive National PTA legislative action alerts and help us advocate for children. Sign up for Member to Member by contacting Sharon Whitworth, KY PTA legislative commissioner at <a href="mailto:sharon.whitworth@jefferson.kyschools.us">sharon.whitworth@jefferson.kyschools.us</a>.</p> National PTA Resolutions http://ww.kypta.org/site/advocacy/national-pta-resolutions.html 2010-02-23T14:00:01Z

<p>The following are the resolutions that were adopted by the voting delegates during the 112th National PTA Convention. These resolutions are national in scope, but they have impact at the local, council and state levels of PTA as well. The power of a resolution is to enable PTA members, leaders, and public policy and program teams to join with others to build partnerships, form coalitions, increase awareness, develop programs, and lobby policy makers.</p> <p><a href="/uploads/58/File/09_NationalResolutions.doc">Resolutions adopted at 2009 National PTA Convention</a></p> <p>For more information on National PTA Resolutions, please visit: <a href="http://www.pta.org/current_resolutions.asp">National PTA Resolutions Page</a>.</p> Communicating With Elected Officials http://ww.kypta.org/site/advocacy/communicating-with-elected-officials.html 2010-01-14T15:29:01Z

<p>Communicating With Elected Officials It is important that your elected officials hear from you about children and youth related issues that are important to you regarding education, health and welfare.</p> <h3>Kentucky Representatives</h3> <p>Senator/Representative (insert name)<br /> Legislative Offices, Capitol Annex<br /> Frankfort, KY 40601<br /> You may also call them at home or during the legislative session leave a message at <br /> LRC Phone Number: (502) 564-8100<br /> Message Center extension - 434<br /> Toll Free LRC Legislative Message Line: 1-800-372-7181<br /> View a directory of Senators and Representatives at the LRC website - www.lrc.state.ky.us</p> <h3>Congressional Representatives</h3> <p>To find your Congress person's phone numbers, you may use the searchable online congressional directory at http://capwiz.com/npta2/home/ or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your senators' and/or representative's office. <br /> <br /> <b>Addressing Correspondence:</b><br /> To a Senator:<br /> The Honorable (full name)<br /> __(Rm.#)__(name of) Senate Office Building<br /> United States Senate<br /> Washington, DC 20510<br /> Dear Senator: <br /> To a Representative:<br /> The Honorable (full name)<br /> __(Rm.#)__(name of) House Office Building<br /> United States House of Representatives<br /> Washington, DC 20515<br /> Dear Representative: </p> <p><b>Tips On Telephoning Elected Representatives</b><br /> Remember that a staff member, elected official, usually takes telephone calls. Ask to speak with the aide who handles the issue about which you wish to comment.</p> <p>After identifying yourself, tell the aide you would like to leave a brief message, such as: "Please tell Senator/Representative (Name) that I support/oppose (give the bill name and number)</p> <p>You will also want to state reasons for your support or opposition to the bill. Ask for your senators' or representative's position on the bill. You may also request a written response to your telephone call.</p> <p><b>Tips On Writing Elected Representatives</b><br /> The letter is the most popular choice of communication. If you decide to write a letter, this list of helpful suggestions will improve the effectiveness of the letter:</p> <ul> <li>Your purpose for writing should be stated in the first paragraph of the letter. If your letter pertains to a specific piece of legislation, identify it accordingly, e.g., House bill: ____, Senate bill: ____.</li> <li>Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position.</li> <li>Address only one issue in each letter; and, if possible, keep the letter to one page.</li> </ul> <p><b>Note:</b> When writing to the Chair of a Committee or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as:<br /> Dear Mr. Chairman or Madam Chairwoman: <br /> or Dear Mr. Speaker:</p> <p><b>Tips On E-mailing Congress</b> Generally, the same guidelines apply as with writing letters to.. You may find and e-mail your senators and representative directly from the National PTA <a target="new" href="http://capwiz.com/npta2/home/">http://capwiz.com/npta2/home/</a></p> Kentucky Legislative Research Commission - LRC http://ww.kypta.org/site/advocacy/kentucky-legislative-research-commission---lrc.html 2010-01-14T15:29:15Z

<ul> <li>Was established in 1948 as a fact-finding and service body for the Legislature.</li> <li>Is a 16 member panel that consists of the Democratic and Republican leaders from the House of Representatives and the Senate.</li> <li>Is administered by a full-time LRC director who presides over a highly-trained staff of researchers, fiscal analysts, attorneys, computer operators, librarians, secretaries and others who provide expert services to the legislators.</li> </ul> <p><b>Services</b><br /> Services LRC provides include: committee staffing, bill drafting, oversight of the state budget and educational reform, production of educational materials, maintenance of a reference library and Internet site, and the preparation and printing of research reports, informational bulletins and a legislative newspaper.</p> <p>Individuals may learn about the legislative process, check the weekly legislative calendar, track bills during the session, and view a directory of Senators and Representatives at the LRC website - <a target="new" href="http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/">www.lrc.state.ky.us</a></p> Kentucky Office Of Education Accountability - OEA http://ww.kypta.org/site/advocacy/kentucky-office-of-education-accountability---oea.html 2010-01-14T15:29:38Z

<p>The OEA was envisioned by the legislature as its arm to ensure that public schools in the state operate efficiently and effectively. The OEA was established in the landmark 1990 legislation that completely overhauled the state's public P-12 education system, HB 940.</p> <p>The Office of Education Accountability has maintained a toll-free hotline service since January 1991 to receive concerns and complaints from citizens, parents, school district employees, and others. This office is charged with investigating allegations of waste, mismanagement, and illegal activity that have not been adequately addressed or explained by a local district. Concerns and complaints reported to this office regularly involve school-based decision making (SBDM), special education, the state testing and accountability program, nepotism, governance issues, conflict of interest of board members, inadequate educational programs, and various problems involving local district policies. Issues that are not within the jurisdiction of the OEA are referred back to the local school district or the appropriate state, federal, or investigative agency.</p> <p>Many complainants who contact the OEA wish to remain anonymous. A complainant's identity remains confidential regardless of whether contact information is provided unless the complainant authorizes release.</p> <p>Unless the complaint pertains to a life-threatening situation or is time-sensitive, OEA requires that complainants submit their concerns in writing. As is the case with hotline calls, complainant identity is protected unless release is authorized by the complainant.</p> <p>If you have a concern or comment pertaining to a local school district, please contact the OEA at 502-564-8167 or toll free (within Kentucky) at 800-242-0520. Complaints may also be faxed directly to the OEA at 502-564-8322. Visit the OEA website <a target="new" href="http://www.lrc.ky.gov/oea/">here</a>.</p> <p><b>The steps in the complaint process usually are as follows: </b></p> <ol> <li>A written complaint is filed with the OEA. This may originate with a hotline call, or the complainant may choose to file a complaint without first consulting with OEA staff via telephone.</li> <li>The complaint is logged in and assigned to the appropriate OEA staff for review.</li> <li>The complaint is analyzed by OEA staff (this step may involve intra-agency consultation).</li> <li>A decision is made as to whether to investigate or review the complaint situation.</li> <li>If the decision is made to investigate or review the complaint situation, a case file is opened. If the decision is made not to investigate or review the complaint situation, the file is logged out and the file is closed (or maintained as open pending further information or complaints related to the complaint situation).</li> <li>If the decision is made to investigate or review the complaint situation, an investigation or inquiry is conducted.</li> <li>At the conclusion of the investigation or inquiry, actions to resolve the situation or charges against individuals are filed (note that this step may involve consultation with appropriate personnel at the Kentucky Department of Education).</li> <li>Once action steps or charges are made, OEA monitors the complaint situation to determine if steps are taken to resolve.</li> <li>Based upon monitoring review, a determination as to resolution of the problem(s) is made. If the situation is resolved, the case is logged out and filed. If not, the process of recommending actions or charges is recycled.</li> </ol> <p> </p>