PTA Joins 2008 Mock Election Campaign

Premier Child Advocacy Organization Announces Plans to Conduct National Mock Election


WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - February 27, 2008) - Amid a hotly contested presidential primary race, PTA announced this afternoon that it will partner with the National Student/Parent Mock Election (NSPME) to conduct the 2008 Mock Election, taking place on October 30.

The announcement came minutes ago at a special luncheon filled with hundreds of PTA state presidents and legislative leaders during PTA's National Legislative Conference in Washington, DC.

Through the partnership, PTA will help NSPME engage young people and parents in the election process by providing information about the campaign to, and encouraging the participation of, more than 26,000 PTAs across the country. NSPME is the nation's largest voter education program, and is designed to make students and parents aware of the power of their ballot by actively involving them in a full-fledged campaign and national election.

"As members of PTA, parents and community leaders are called upon to be strong advocates for all children. The 2008 Mock Election provides students from elementary school through high school with an opportunity to speak up for themselves," said Jan Harp Domene, PTA national president, during the luncheon. "Not only will children discover that their voice and their priorities are valued, but families and schools will learn about what matters to youth -- in their own communities and across the country."

Dating since 1980, NSPME is the nation's largest and most successful voter education project. Through the Mock Election, NSPME engages young people and their parents, facilitating a much-needed dialogue between them. By voting on both candidates and contemporary issues, the project initiates an important discussion on the responsibility and power we all have as citizens. In 2004, over 4 million Americans, both domestic and abroad, voted in the Mock Election.

"This is a natural partnership because the National Student/Parent Mock Election began as a parent involvement project and has steadfastly advocated that parents, as well as teachers, pass the torch of democracy to our nation's children. In fact, eighty-eight percent of Americans now want their children taught about elections, democracy and ethical behavior starting in elementary school and continuing through high school, according to a recent survey. We are eager to work with our nation's PTAs," said Gloria Kirshner, NSPME president.

Domene urged attendees to encourage the program in their states. "Coordinators are needed at the state and local level. Volunteers are also needed to assist coordinators with a myriad of responsibilities, including gaining approval and support from school and district administrators; building community support and involvement; dissemination of information to parents, teachers, principals, and school boards; assisting teachers in planning education activities; and election day on-site voter assistance and ballot tallying."

PTA's National Legislative Conference (February 26-28) served as the backdrop for the announcement. The three-day event connects leaders representing every state in the union to: sharpen their grassroots advocacy skills; honor a local and state PTA with the PTA Outstanding Advocacy Award for their legislative efforts; and conduct meetings with their elected representatives to remind them that "PTA Votes."

PTA joins the NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) as the second organization to partner with NSPME. NABEF's parent organization, the National Association of Broadcasters represents 8,300 broadcasters nationwide. NABEF is encouraging radio and television stations throughout the country to cover mock elections in local school districts and to sponsor school activities leading up to National Student Mock Election Day.

About PTA

PTA comprises nearly 6 million parents and other concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that prides itself on being a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned with the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

About NSPME

The National Student/Parent Mock Election is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization run by a nationwide network of volunteer state and school district coordinators including the League of Women Voters, educators, public officials and other organizations who put hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours into the project.

To view this release online, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2008/pta022708/index.html

Contact Information: Contact: James Martinez On-site: 773-339-4533