Tips, Web Sites, and Resources for Legislation Chairmen

Get a start on legislation and make it real for kids.

Download the  Tips for Legislation Chairman and get started with legislation
in your local PTA unit.  If you follow these tips, you, along with your local unit members,
will become outstanding advocates for children. 

“Making It Real for Kids” Award for Local Units

Bronze Level
1. Identify a legislation contact by December 1st, and send to the state office by e-mail, fax or on the annual
    registrationform.
2. Enroll at least ten (10) members on the Illinois PTA Legislative Network, documented by submitting names and
    e-mail addresses with the award application. Previously enrolled members may be identified. These do not
    have  to be new enrollees.
3. Respond to at least one (1) Action Alert, documented by copies of letters, e-mails or faxes sent to legislators, or
    if telephone contact or office visit, name of legislator or staff member spoken to and action alert discussed.

Silver Level
1. Complete Bronze level; and
2. Complete two (2) of the activities listed below.

Gold Level
1. Complete Bronze and Silver levels; and
2. Complete one (1) additional activity listed below.

Suggested activities:
a) Participate in Virtual Lobby ACTIVITY, documented by response to Illinois PTA survey on SurveyMonkey; sending copies
    of letters, e-mails or faxes sent to legislators; if telephone contact or office visit, name of legislator or staff member
    spoken to and priority issue discussed. (For the first year of the award, that would include any activity conducted
    BETWEEN APRIL 18 AND MAY 31, 2011.)

b) Provide copies of communication with membership and/or school community on legislative initiatives via newsletters,
    e-mail blast or website postings.

c) Respond to a legislative initiative by hosting a program or event that addresses a priority of the Illinois PTA, or implements a
    resolution. Priority issues are any issues indentified in The Monitor and on the published Bill List. These can be found
     archived on the Illinois PTA website, www.illinoispta.org. Implementation of a resolution can include a program on any
     resolution, for example Social Emotional Learning or Cyberbullying. Copies of Resolutions can be located on the
    Illinois PTA website.

d) Host a candidates' forum or a town hall meeting (Directions can be found on the Illinois PTA Website, under
     Archived Resources.)

e) Submit a resolution which meets the established criteria; (see Resolution section of LUP)

f) Identify and address a significant local issue related to our legislative platform, current positions on Juvenile Justice and/or
    continuing positions. All of these can be found in the Legislation Platform of the Illinois PTA, referred to as the
    "Green Book." This can be a time-limited activity such as a referendum, or an on-going activity.

PTA Resources
Illinois PTA
www.illinoispta.org

“Take Action” tab provides many
resources. 


Illinois PTA Legislative Network CALL-TO-ACTION Alerts and bill
list updates are sent to you by e-mail. 

Legislation Packets
One copy is sent to the PTA President
and the Legislation Chairman


Illinois PTA District 28
 www.illinoisptadistrict28.org

 
Newsletter:
PTA Matters is published
(4-6 issues) during the school year.

One copy is sent to each PTA
president. Legislation information
is available in each issue.


National PTA www.pta.org

Check the “Take Action” tab for advocacy/legislation information.

Other Resources
Illinois Issues Magazine

With a special focus on Illinois government and politics, the Illinois Issues magazine pays
close attention to current trends and legislative issues. 
    This publication is $39.95 per year. 
    This is a dynamite source of Illinois legislation.
    A subscription also includes a roster of legislators as well as state agencies with addresses and telephone numbers. 

Illinois Issues
Subscription Department
University of Illinois at Springfield
P.O. Box 19243
Springfield, IL 62794-9980

First Reading

Contains information
on Illinois Legislation

There is no cost.

Illinois General Assembly
Suite 301
222 S. College
Springfield, IL 62704

Other Important websites:

Illinois Issues
http://illinoisissues.uis.edu

Center for Tax and
Budget Accountability
www.ctbaonline.org

Better Funding
for Better Schools
www.betterfundingforbetterschools.com

Illinois Related Websites:

Illinois General Assembly,
www.ilga.gov

Illinois Government Information,
www.illinois.go

Illinois School Board of Education,
www.isbe.net

Other PTA Links:   Illinois PTA       National PTA

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Page updated August 2011

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Illinois PTA District 28