1. SPEAK UP!
Elected officials go to work every day to represent your best interests. They care what you think. Whether you speak up through a letter, email, phone call, schedule a meeting, stop by their office, find them at a community event, and/or contact them through social media, the important thing is to make yourself heard. Your voice is powerful and it can have an impact.
2. KEEP IT PERSONAL
Sharing your story and your experiences is the most powerful form of advocacy. What do charter schools mean to you? What do you love about your school? How has it impacted your child and family? If you keep it personal, your story will resonate.
3. KEEP IT SIMPLE
It is not your job to memorize every charter school statistic or to know every detail about pending legislation. All you need to do is take a couple minutes to tell your story.
4. KEEP IT POSITIVE
Sometimes your elected officials may not express initial support for charter public schools. By staying positive and helping them learn what your school means to you, you will be more likely to change their minds. Many elected officials that don’t initially support charter public schools simply haven’t gotten to know charter school families and students yet.
5. STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Your voice is powerful and it can have an impact. But voices raised together can have even more of an impact. After you speak up, don’t stop there -- encourage others to do so as well. Talk to your fellow parents, teachers, people in your community, and work with your school. Share your advocacy experience and encourage others to get involved. Advocating together is more effective...and also a lot more fun!
6. KEEP IT UP!
Elected officials have a lot on their plate, and they need to be reminded of you and your needs. It’s not because they don’t care about you, but because they get hundreds of requests each day. So, once you’ve started a dialogue, keep talking. If you sent an email in the fall, maybe attend a community event they are hosting in the winter and introduce yourself. If you called their office in the winter, consider sending them a letter or contacting them on social media in the spring. Help your elected representatives get to know you and your school by staying in touch. And finally...always remember to thank them for their time!