Interesting question, Janis. Some good reading material here from EdWeek (may require free registration):
www.edweek.com/ew/ewstory.cfm?slug=04pta.h14&keywords=harp
Some highlights about PTA lobbying efforts:
"... With 6.7 million members (now just under 6 million -- ed.), the PTA is by far the nation's largest education association, dwarfing, for example the combined membership of the two national teacher's unions.
In reality, though, in the midst of an education-policy debate badly in need of a reasonable voice and credible mediator, the group is largely silent. State policymakers across the country confide that the PTA has nowhere near the clout of teachers' unions, school boards associations, and other education groups in influencing school funding, curriculum, and governance decisions. Washington insiders tend to agree."
And another:
"As the staff of the National PTA--today a $7 million-a-year (now $10 million -- ed.) operation based in Chicago--plans its centennial, many state policy officials and education observers can only marvel at how the group has become such a mainstay in American life without wielding more influence. "
And finally:
"...And, for the past decade, a high-level school-reform debate has sought to rethink the direction of public schools. Governors, legislators, educators, professors, philanthropists, business leaders, and U.S. Presidents have left their mark on the discussion. The PTA, meanwhile, could be termed missing in action."
This is the sort of "elephant in the corner" of the PTO v PTA discussion that isn't discussed much. In many debates, things often wind down to: "Well OK, maybe you're not getting enough locally, but we've got this powerful voice at the state capitol and in Washington." Well, actually, many feel that that voice isn't that effective.
Interesting.
Tim