ADVOCACY
The Fund for PPS knows that students, families and community members care deeply about public education. We also believe that it is important for all of us to bring our personal stories and our experiences to the crucial conversation around the state of public education in our city and in Oregon. With the state legislature in session, now is the time to lift our voices and speak our truth to our elected officials. Here are some resources to get started!
Advocacy Action Alerts
Show up for public education!
There are two critical hearings on the State Budget and State School Fund and now is the time to show your support for funding public education. Carpool with other families and make sure your voices are heard. Democracy depends on our participation and there's no better cause than our children's education. Thank you!
ORegon STate Legislature Community Budget Hearing
Meet the members of Oregon’s Ways and Means Committee and share your thoughts on priorities for the 2025-2027 budget. Let’s show up in force for education!
Saturday, March 22 (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM), Mt. Hood Community College, College Theater 26000 S.E. Stark Street, Gresham, OR 97030
SB 5516 State School Fund Bill — public hearing
Thursday, March 27 (1:00 to 2:30 PM)
Read the text of the Bill
Join PPS in support of School Meals for All
Check back regularly for alerts!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for Advocacy alerts and ways to stay connected!
Recent Events
Virtual PPS Advocacy Night
View the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQLN-EUqgoU
Slide Deck: PPS 2025 Advocacy Training Night (PDF)
PPS Advocacy Toolkit
Start here to find contact information for your representative, email templates, meeting request guidelines and helpful tips for sharing your story and for making a compelling case for the issues you care about.
Key Legislative Dates
2025 Legislative Session Convenes - January 21, 2025
Ways and Means Co -Chairs Budget - March 2025
May Revenue Forecast - May 14, 2025
2025 Legislative Session Adjourns - June 28, 2025
Resources
Best Practices in Advocacy
The A to Z of building a successful movement!
The AdvocacyLabs Guide to the Science of Advocacy
https://50can.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/50CAN_AdvocacyLabs_Guidebook.pdf
Background & Context
When advocating for funding or for a particular issue it is important to understand how your experience fits into the bigger picture.
PPS Budget Process and Proposed Cuts
Learn about the budget process and timeline, and the $40 million in proposed cuts for 2025-26.
Learn more about the plan to improve student achievement.
PPS Office of Government Relations
Read the district’s agenda for the Oregon legislative session and find information about how to advocate for increased education funding.
Community Organizations Leading Advocacy Efforts
Community & Parents for Public Schools- Portland Chapter https://www.facebook.com/cppsportland/
Check out the CPPS guide on organizing a school lobby day in Salem.
Families for Equitable Schools
https://www.familiesforequityinschools.org/
Foundations for a Better Oregon
Oregon Education Association
https://oregoned.org/advocating-for-change/action-center
Oregon PTA (Parent Teacher Association)
https://www.oregonpta.org/advocacy/Our-advocacy-work/capitol-to-our-classrooms-series
Oregon PTA is hosting “Advocacy Connection” every other Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. This Zoom meeting space allows parents to informally connect and coordinate advocacy efforts. Find out what is happening in the legislature, share upcoming opportunities and most importantly, support one another! It is open to everyone, PTA-member or not. Registration required.
Oregon Schools Board Association
https://www.osba.org/legislative-services/opportunities-for-advocacy/
Stay in Touch
Thanks for taking the time to participate in advocacy efforts. The Fund would love to hear about your efforts and celebrate your success. Feel free to reach out: info@fundforpps.org.