Description:
This committee keeps parents and teachers up-to-date and aware of local, state and national issues and legislation that may affect their children and schools.

Duties:
This depends upon the role of the committee as dictated by the organization and/or school. May involve simply keeping abreast of pending legislation and being aware of elected officialsÆ positions on the issues effecting children and schools. May also involve raising awareness and gathering support for issues that the organization as a whole deems important. May involve putting out a newsletter or adding a column to an existing newsletter.

Time needed:
Probably as much or as little time as you are willing to contribute. Legislation on all levels can move very quickly; it may be hard to plan ahead as things evolve and change.

Characteristics/skills needed:
Flexibility--Can work with all kinds of people and adjust to changes in a plan.
Organization--Can make a logical order out of many competing interests.

Lifespan of committee:
Year round.

Personal benefits:
This is an excellent opportunity to learn how government works on all levels and how it affects children and schools.

Involving the kids:
Kids make great gophers - stuffing envelopes, running off flyers, etc. The intangible benefit is that they acquire an awareness of how laws are made and how citizens can be a part of shaping government.

Other comments or suggestions:
If this committee is new in your school, don't feel overwhelmed! Start slowly, maybe becoming familiar with local government and the budget, before wading into higher levels.