15 Seattle parent advocacy groups supporting education

As a parent, it’s sometimes hard to know how best to advocate for the students in your family and community, beyond joining your school’s Parent Teacher (Student) Association (PTA/PTSA).

Where do you go for accurate information about issues that impact your child or their school? How do you get engaged in supporting an outstanding education for all kids? Where do you turn to learn how to effectively advocate for specific or systemic change side-by-side with other parents?

Ask before you join

There is a wide range of groups and organizations in King County that aim to support, inform, and help parents advocate for better education while connecting them to other parents with kids with similar concerns. The following organizations are committed to improving education experiences and outcomes in public schools.

Before you join a group, ask yourself a few critical questions:

1. What issues am I most passionate about? (e.g., special education, racial equity, school funding, curriculum, disability rights)
2. What skills or experiences do I want to share — or gain — through involvement?
3. How much time and energy can I realistically commit?

Once you have narrowed your focus and time intent, consider these questions as you look into possible organizations or groups that could be a fit for you:

• What specific issues or policies does the group prioritize?
• Is this group or organization primarily local or statewide?
• Is it politically affiliated?
• Who is welcome to join and are there fees or dues?
• Are there expectations for participation (e.g., attending meetings, volunteering time)?
• Are materials and meetings accessible (e.g. language interpretation, ASL, disability accommodations)?
• How do they keep members informed — email lists, Slack, Facebook groups, newsletters?
• How are decisions made in the organization?
• Does this organization’s mission align with your values?
• Does the leadership reflect my community and the communities they serve?

15 groups in search of parent members

Seattle Special Education PTSA

• Focus: Parent-led advocacy for students with disabilities in Seattle Public Schools (SPS)
• Goals: Improve services, inclusion, policy transparency, and support for families navigating special education.

All Together for Seattle Schools (ATSS)

• Focus: Parent, student, and community coalition promoting equitable funding, transparency, and accountability in SPS.
• Goals: Push for balanced budgets that protect programs, improve decision-making, and maintain public engagement. alltogether4seattleschools.org

South Seattle Schools Fundraising Alliance

• Focus: Cooperative of school PTAs dedicated to sharing resources and strengthening relationships in the Southeast Seattle education community.
• Goals: Create equity among schools when it comes to PTA funding

League of Education Voters (LEV)

• Focus: Statewide organization based in Seattle focused on equity and opportunity for every Washington student.
• Goals: Improve school funding, special education, early learning, and college readiness. Advocates at the state legislature.

Washington State PTA (WSPTA) & Seattle Council PTSA

• Focus: Parent and community-led advocacy for child welfare, public education, and legislation.
• Goals: Legislative advocacy, family engagement, and local PTA support.

ROOTS Family Collaborative

• Focus: Parent group supporting families of Black students in Seattle Public Schools.
• Goals: Culturally affirming support, policy advocacy, family navigation, and anti-racist educational change.

Washington State Special Education Coalition (WSSEC)

• Focus: Statewide coalition of parents, disability advocates, and organizations, many based in Seattle.
• Goals: Legislative reforms for fully funded, equitable special education.

Kids First Seattle

• Focus: Parent-led group working to improve SPS governance, budget accountability, and academic outcomes.
• Goals: Reforming board governance and ensuring district transparency and performance.

Asian Pacific Directors Coalition (APDC) Education Committee

• Focus: Coalition of Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders advocating for education equity and culturally relevant curriculum in Seattle-area schools.
• Goals: Address AAPI student needs and ensure policy inclusion.

Black Education Strategy Roundtable (BESR)

• Focus: Regional coalition advocating for improved outcomes for Black students across Washington, with a strong Seattle presence.
• Goals: Policy change, data analysis, and supporting community engagement.

Washington Ethnic Studies Now (WESN)

• Focus: Grassroots group advocating for K-12 ethnic studies curricula in Washington schools, including SPS.
• Goals: Culturally responsive education and curriculum adoption.

Open Doors for Multicultural Families (ODMF)

• Focus: Advocacy and direct support for immigrant and refugee families raising children with disabilities.
• Goals: Language access, navigation of education systems, and culturally competent services.

Disability Rights Washington (DRW)

• Focus: Legal advocacy organization working on school discipline, restraint/seclusion, and access to education for students with disabilities.
• Goals: Protect civil rights and push systemic change.

Washington’s Paramount Duty (WPD)

• Focus: Parent and community advocacy group fighting for full state funding of public education under the McCleary decision.
• Goals: Legal and policy advocacy for adequate, sustainable school funding.

Rainier Scholars Alumni & Family Network

• Focus: Parents and alumni supporting college access for students of color from underrepresented communities in Seattle.
• Goals: Academic support, leadership development, and advocacy for equity in education.