Visit our Legislative Updates page to read an overview of our Legislative Activity.

You have the power to effect change about the issues that matter to you the most. Decision-makers react to those who can most effectively bring their issues to the forefront of the public agenda. NCATA provides a forum where our individual voices can come together to influence policymakers regarding issues that impact teacher assistants.

Remember, while there’s strength in diversity, there’s power in unity. NCATA is here to bring as many diverse voices to our cause as possible, and deliver a unifying message at the same time. We must agree on the important goals and we can achieve success!!

Advocacy Tips

• Know your messages.
• Keep your messages simple and grounded in facts.
• Deliver your messages over and over again, using all of your tools.
• Ask for the one thing you really need, not a list of what you want.
• Position your issues within the decision-maker's agenda.
• Build impeccable relationships with the people who impact your issues.
• Know the core facts about your issues.
• Believe that you have the power to effect change.
• Start today - you have the right to be heard now.
• Don't ever give up - successful advocates are persistent in their efforts.

*(source: advocacysolutions.ca)

NCATA allocates a percentage of its resources toward legislative advocacy, in two ways:

1. The Legislative Committee works to identify, prioritize and track state legislation and regulations important to teacher assistants, and, when appropriate, recommend policy positions on such legislation and regulations to the Executive Council.
2. NCATA's government affairs specialist works in Raleigh with members of the state legislature to ensure that the interests of teacher assistants are well-represented.

Important Links for Teacher Assistants who want to learn more about the Legislative Process:

• North Carolina General Assembly
• NC General Assembly Citizen Guide
• Who Represents Me?  Find out who represents you in the North Carolina House and Senate and in Congress.
• How an Idea Becomes a Law: A simplified model that describes NC's legislative process.
• How a Law is Made in the NC General Assembly