HHS Secretary Sebelius to Keynote National PTA Legislative Conference

Advocacy Meetings, Congressional Awards and Parent Leader Workshops to Be Held March 9-10


ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwire - March 8, 2011) - National PTA's® Legislative Conference will take place this week (March 9-10) at the Doubletree Hotel Crystal City -- National Airport (300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA).

The two-day conference is designed to motivate 'grasstop' leaders from across the country and provide an in-depth look at the latest PTA Public Policy Agenda through a series of workshops, skill building trainings, panel discussions and guest speakers. Parent leaders will then visit with congressional leaders to advocate for effective family engagement in education and equity and opportunity in education for all children.

Highlights include:

  • Wednesday, March 9, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
    A keynote address by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius. The Secretary will speak about how effective family engagement, beginning with the Head Start program and during a child's early years, lays a positive foundation for success during transitions and across a child's lifespan.

  • Thursday, March 10, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m.
    An awards luncheon where U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and U.S. Representative Todd Platts (R-PA) will each receive the National PTA Congressional Voice for Children Award. Advocacy Awards will also be presented to New York State PTA, Alabama's Huntsville Council of PTAs and Lana Ajemian, First Vice President of New York State PTA and New York federal legislative chair for National PTA.

For more information about the National PTA Legislative Conference, please visit www.PTA.org. The 2011 National PTA Federal Public Policy Agenda can be viewed at www.pta.org/public_policy_agenda.asp.

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 parent involvement 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 version, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2011/national_pta/legislative_conference/

Contact Information:

Contact for media credentials:
James Martinez

Cell: (571) 329-9352