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Free State PTA Advocacy
Advocacy is at the core of PTA’s mission. Through advocacy, Free State PTA can amplify the collective voice of thousands of families, ensuring that lawmakers and education leaders hear what students and schools truly need. It influences important policies on funding, curriculum, safety, and family engagement while connecting local concerns to
statewide solutions.
Advocacy also empowers parents and caregivers to become active citizens, strengthening leadership and civic engagement across communities. By collaborating with education agencies, school boards, and community partners, the PTA ensures that family perspectives are represented in every decision that affects children.
Further, advocacy fulfills the PTA’s original purpose as a powerful voice for every child, continuing its more than century-long legacy of driving positive change in education.
2026 Priorities
Universal Meals/
Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program
Meals are important to students’ academic success just as textbooks or
transportation are and should be treated as a critical component to education.
This is an essential investment for the health and academic success of Maryland students. By providing school meals at no cost to all students, Maryland would be supporting equity in the classroom and making sure every child has the nutrition they need to excel. When students are distracted by hunger because they are unable to afford school breakfast or lunch, they miss out on the chance to learn and benefit from the important opportunities offered by Maryland’s education system. Ensuring that every child in the state has access to a nutritious school breakfast and lunch every day is a smart and effective investment in Maryland’s communities and future.
"Hungry kids can't learn"
2025 Wins
Two Resolutions Passed:
Synthetic Turf and
Dual Enrollment
These resolutions are important because they allow Free State PTA to formally express its collective voice and advocate for positive change. Through these resolutions, we take official positions on students’ education, health, and well-being, which gives us greater influence when communicating with school boards, policymakers, and community leaders.
These resolutions also help raise awareness and educate members about key issues, encouraging informed discussions and collaboration. Finally, they empower Free State PTA to move from concern to action, helping ensure that the views of our community shape policies that support student success and well-being.
Learn More & Get Involved
To help support the advocacy work happening in Maryland, send an email to Free State PTA’s Vice President of Advocacy Elisabeth Jarrett at: