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Grassroots Advocacy Efforts Receive National Honors
National PTA Announces Winners of 2010 Outstanding Advocacy Awards
| Source: National PTA
CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - January 21, 2010) - National PTA® is honoring advocacy efforts at
state, local, and individual levels with its 2010 Outstanding Advocacy
Awards. This year's recipients are: Florida PTA; Language Academy PTSA, San
Diego; and Rick Tyler, Temple Hills, Md.
Outstanding Advocacy Award recipients were chosen for their dedication,
leadership and sustained efforts to positively affect child-related policy,
regulation and legislation.
Florida PTA is being honored for their efforts while facing proposed
education budget cuts. The state PTA formed a coalition with major
education groups during these efforts. Florida ranks near the bottom in the
country in school funding. But Florida PTA's initiatives created sustained
advocacy and generated new-found enthusiasm for parents and local PTAs to
work together for education funding for Florida children. Advocates sent
more than 3,000 letters of protest to the Florida Governor and state
legislators, held regular conference calls with regional and local PTAs,
developed an advocacy toolkit and held one of the largest rallies at the
state Capitol steps. As a result of Florida PTA's efforts, Florida
legislators did not reduce education funding as proposed.
Language Academy PTSA is receiving an award for advocacy initiatives at the
local level. The PTSA rallied students, parents and teachers after the San
Diego Unified School Board proposed to cut transportation funding for
magnet and urban area schools -- a supposed $10 million line item cut. With
school bus cuts affecting 57% of their student body, Language Academy PTSA
organized town hall meetings, media campaigns and protests to grab the
attention of school board members. The end result: the proposed cut was
voted against and transportation funding was secured so that students can
continue to be transported to school.
Rick Tyler is being honored with the prestigious Shirley Igo Advocate of
the Year Award for his 20-year commitment to the advocacy efforts of
Maryland PTA. As a National PTA federal legislative chair, Tyler has
advocated for increased funding for Parental Information and Resource
Centers (PIRCs), implementation of ESEA provisions at Title I schools,
school funding, and school modernization. Through his leadership, Tyler has
energized child advocates to take action on important legislation affecting
Maryland schools; his work has benefited tens of thousands of students
across his state and the nation.
"This year's recipients of the Outstanding Advocacy Awards truly represent
what it means to take action for all children," said Charles "Chuck"
Saylors, National PTA President. "In their long term commitment to PTA, we
are proud to honor Rick Tyler, Language Academy PTSA in San Diego and
Florida PTA for their tireless efforts to advocate for children from the
state to the local level."
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers,
administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the
educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in
schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides
itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for
families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.
Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a
difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
To view this release in a media-rich format, go to:
http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2010/pta_00121/index.html