Join us to #TakeAction4Kids
2022 General Assembly
Every January when the General Assembly convenes, PTA volunteers from across the state gather in Richmond to talk with legislators about conditions in our schools.

As elected leaders in our school community, we observe first-hand the challenges that are faced by students and families. 

As our schools have re-opened, we've seen severe teacher and staff shortages, increased student violence, insufficient mental health supports, and gaps in academic support needed to address unfinished learning. The pandemic has highlighted endemic problems and strained Virginia schools. We need your voice more than ever.

YOUR stories from YOUR school bring advocacy priorities to life!
Join us on January 21st to share your story!
No prior experience is needed!
PTA Legislative Priorities
Do you have deteriorated school facilities? Lack internet access? Need more school counselors, school nurses or school social workers? Does your school community need better access to early childhood education, school meals, clean water or comprehensive literacy instruction?

We know these and similar challenges face our schools across the state.

Our legislative priorities this session remain focused on supporting the academic success, health and safety of Virginia’s students.

Virginia PTA urges the General Assembly to:   

  • Lift the Support Cap to fully fund support staff;
  • Invest in renovating our crumbling schools;   
  • Continue supporting the expansion of affordable broadband;  
  • Continue expanding access to Pre-K and affordable childcare;   
  • Reduce the volume of testing to focus on students' academic growth; and, 
  • Adopt a comprehensive statewide approach to literacy instruction.  
WEBINAR
General Assembly Preview
Tuesday, January 11th
Join us for an overview of the basics of education funding and Virginia PTA's legislative priorities. We'll also talk about how the General Assembly works, the plan for Capitol Day, how to follow the action from home, contact your legislators, and amplify our shared priorities.

Virginia PTA Capitol Day
Friday, January 21st
CAPITOL DAY DETAILS

All Virginia PTA members are welcome to join us for Capitol Day!

You will have an opportunity to listen to bills be debated, meet your legislator(s) and share personal stories about the importance of funding high-quality public education.

This year PTA Capitol Day is on a Friday. This is a quieter day with less people in the halls and more opportunities to meet with legislators. In addition to our traditional in-person Capitol Day activities on January 21st, we are also setting up virtual legislator meetings.

So, if you aren't able to join us in-person this year, you can still participate in our Virtual Rally on January 21st and a #ConstituentConnection virtual legislator meeting during the week of February 7th.

If you are bringing students to Capitol Day, please let us know how students and which schools they attend so we can ensure they are recognized from the House or Senate Floor.

Once registered you will receive information about where to park, how to meet-up, a list of meetings for the day and more.
CAPITOL DAY AGENDA
January 21, 2022 (7a.m. - 1 p.m.)

7:00 a.m. -  8:00 a.m.
Meet-up and watch the House Education PK-12 Subcommittee
(Pocahontas Building OR stream from home)

8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m
Legislator Meetings
You will be grouped with 2-4 PTA members and
an experienced lead volunteer from your geographic area.
(Pocahontas Building OR join the virtual rally)

12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
View Daily Legislative Session with recognition of Virginia PTA
(Capitol, House/Senate Gallery OR stream from home)

1:00 p.m Optional Lunch Meet-Up
(Truist Place, 3rd Floor, across from Pocahontas Building)
Based on 2020-2021 data