MA PTA Advocacy Efforts Against Vaping

February 13, 2020 by Stephanie Gray

The volunteers at Massachusetts PTA continue to work to advocate for the health and welfare of our children and families. Both our Advocacy/Legislative Committee and the Health Safety and Wellness Committee have prioritized the prevention of Vaping in children but it was the members of our Youth Committee who helped us focus on the issues from their perspective and developed the survey we are currently running.

Recently we joined Attorney General Maura Healey at her press conference where she announced her investigation into JUUL has resulted in a lawsuit against the company for intentionally marketing and selling its e-cigarettes to young people. (Read More About Lawsuit)

If you have not participated in our Vaping survey please click here to take either the Student version or the Parent version of the survey. The information we gather from this anonymous survey will help us to better provide relevant content in our next webinar and ensure our advocacy efforts with legislation and school based policies are in line with what you, our members, feel is needed.

The Massachusetts PTA Health, Wellness and Safety committee is holding a webinar on Vaping on April 28, 2020. The webinar will be presented by experts in the field along with that assistance of the members of the Health Committee.

STATEMENT SUPPORTING LEGAL ACTION BY THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS AGAINST JUUL

Massachusetts PTA supports legislation, regulation, and other measures that prohibit the advertising, marketing and sale of Electronic cigarettes and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems to youth under the age of 21; that addresses the manufacturing of and ingredients in E-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; and that prohibits the use of E-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems on school grounds and in public areas. Therefore, we must support the State of Massachusetts’ legal action against JUUL for allegedly violating several laws. JUUL’s advertising campaigns target young people to use nicotine without knowing the associated risks by enticing them with flavor pods, by using social media marketing campaigns and by direct outreach to high school students by company representatives. We believe this deceptive and misleading marketing contributed to a youth vaping epidemic. JUUL may have failed to include required warnings about exposures to chemicals linked to cancer, about the products containing nicotine and about them being a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes also. Delivering tobacco products directly to under aged persons and selling products online to minors by a third party retail store is illegal. By glamorizing vaping, while at the same time downplaying the nicotine found in vaping products, JUUL is putting countless people at risk. We question whether JUUL has contributed to nicotine use, with addictive and harmful products, among school-aged minors creating a public health epidemic.

MA PTA Supports National PTA and Florida PTA Statement on Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

February 25, 2018 by Stephanie Gray

Massachusetts PTA Joins National PTA in sending our soothing thoughts, words of strength and advocating for action to Stoneman Douglas High School students, staff and their whole community.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 14, 2018)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Jim Accomando and Florida PTA President Cindy Gerhardt:

“National PTA and Florida PTA are deeply saddened to hear of the shooting today at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the students, families, educators and administrators impacted.

“This is the second school shooting just this month. It is urgent that families, educators, school administrators, community leaders and elected officials work together to find solutions and make meaningful changes to ensure that all students have a safe environment in which to thrive and learn.

“Any act of violence at a school or involving children and youth is intolerable. Every student deserves to learn and grow in a safe environment. And no parent should fear for the safety of their child every time they leave home for school.

“It remains a top priority of PTA to promote safety for children and youth and improve education. PTA has a strong history of supporting and advocating for policies in the areas of gun safety and violence prevention, juvenile justice, mental health and students’ overall well-being.

“PTA is committed to supporting students, families, schools and communities in coping with and preventing violence. The association offers a variety of resources that can be downloaded at PTA.org/SchoolSafety.”

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. For more information, visit PTA.org.

About Florida PTA

Florida PTA is the largest statewide volunteer association working exclusively on behalf of children and youth. Founded in 1923 as a branch of the 4 million member National PTA, Florida PTA is made up of approximately 1,450 local units with more than 300,000 Florida members seeking to unite home, school and community for all children. For more information, visit FloridaPTA.org.

Media Contact

Heidi May Wilson, National PTA

hmay@pta.org, (703) 518-1242

MA PTA Receives National Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award

February 8, 2016 by Stephanie Gray

National PTA Honors Outstanding Advocacy Efforts for Children and Education

Parent and youth honorees to be recognized at 2016 National PTA Legislative Conference

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 5, 2016) — National PTA is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2016 Outstanding Advocacy Awards, which honor parents and youth from across the country for their leadership and commitment to being a powerful voice for all children and a strong advocate for public education. The honorees will be recognized at the 2016 National PTA Legislative Conference, Wednesday, March 9 during a luncheon at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Va.

This year’s recipients are:

Outstanding State PTA Advocacy Award – Massachusetts PTA

Committed to speaking up for every child, Massachusetts PTA dedicated its efforts over the past year to advocating for the education, health, safety and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth to ensure they have every opportunity to reach their full potential. As part of its efforts, Massachusetts PTA established a LGBTQ chair position on its Board of Directors and formed a committee comprised of LGBTQ students and parents. Massachusetts PTA also partnered with other local and national advocacy groups and secured a seat at the table to help shape policies impacting LGBTQ students and families. The association’s efforts and leadership contributed to the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education unanimously passing a measure to update the school system’s handling of LGBTQ issues, which had not been updated since 1992. A key component of Massachusetts PTA’s LGBTQ advocacy plan also involved increasing family engagement and strengthening partnerships between PTAs, schools and the LGBTQ community across the state to ensure all families feel welcomed, supported and are empowered to support their children’s success.

Outstanding Local PTA Advocacy Award – Rochester Community PTA Council (Michigan)

Rochester Community PTA Council is being honored for its efforts to educate families throughout the community on legislative issues impacting children and schools and the importance of getting involved. The Rochester Community School District proposed a $185 million bond issue for inclusion on the ballot in the November 2015 election. The passage of the bond was essential for the district to make much needed renovations and upgrades to school facilities, technology and infrastructure to ensure students are provided a high-quality education and have a safe environment in which to thrive and learn. Among its many advocacy efforts, Rochester Community PTA Council worked to educate all PTA members and families communitywide on the specifics of the bond issue and the importance of getting out to vote. With the efforts and contributions of Rochester Community PTA Council, the bond issue passed with 73% support.

Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Award – Joy Grayson (South Carolina)

Joy Grayson is a passionate advocate for education opportunity and equity for all of South Carolina’s children. As vice president of advocacy for South Carolina PTA, Grayson led the adoption of an annual legislative platform for the association; organized and moderated an annual state legislative conference; and revamped the state membership unit to become a state advocacy unit, engaging community members in PTA who had no affiliation with a local unit. The association also partnered with other education advocacy organizations in South Carolina to develop a Collaborative K-12 Public Education Policy platform. Under Grayson’s leadership, South Carolina PTA has had a significant presence at the table. Elected officials have asked for the association’s input on key issues, interest groups have attended meetings to present information, and state officials have participated in South Carolina PTA conventions and conferences. In addition to working at all levels to build and strengthen South Carolina PTA’s position as a compelling education advocate, Grayson has traveled throughout the state to empower all stakeholders to stand up for children.

Outstanding Youth Advocacy Award – Brian Rodriguez (Florida)

Brian Rodriguez has worked to promote civic engagement and increase community involvement among youth of all ages in the Miami area. As a member of the Miami-Dade County Youth Commission and the Miami Lakes Youth Activities Task Force, Rodriguez has collaborated with city officials and education and faith leaders to offer new approaches to provide youth with avenues to be actively involved in the community. Rodriguez’s passion, dedication and leadership have increased youth engagement in the community, helped families grow stronger and improved the local economy. Communities and constituents across the state of Florida have sought Rodriguez’s guidance to help strengthen youth engagement and create a bridge between students, families, schools and civic leaders.

“Advocacy is critical to improve education and the lives and futures of our nation’s children. Massachusetts PTA, Rochester Community PTA Council, Joy Grayson and Brian Rodriguez exemplify what it means to speak up and take action,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “Their efforts and leadership have truly made a difference for children, families, schools and communities. We are pleased to recognize them with the 2016 Outstanding Advocacy Awards.”

Every year, the National PTA Legislative Conference brings together PTA leaders and advocates from across the country to explore the association’s public policy priorities and actively advocate for the education, health and well-being of every child.

During the conference — themed, “Family Engagement Drives Student Success” — attendees will hear from speakers and participate in interactive workshops and advocacy skill-building trainings. Attendees will also amplify their voices by meeting with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill, Thursday, March 10. For more information, visit PTA.org/LegCon.

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