What is your constituency? Who is your MLA? Where is his or her constituency office? Do you know representatives of the other political parties in your constituency? Do you know how to contact your MLA? Does your MLA keep you informed on political activities? Do you know your MLA’s views on education?

Skim newspapers/magazines/ websites from an education perspective. Listen to in-depth coverage of provincial political events on radio or television. Ask to be put on the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s e-mail distribution list for legislative summaries. Read Alberta Hansard. Decide that you are going to keep yourself informed on political/education issues.

Always remember that your MLA is human and has feelings. Commending your MLA for something well done or some stand taken is important—your views count. Keep in touch with your MLA by phone, e-mail or letter. Keep your MLA informed about what you see happening in education—good and correct information is valuable. Raise education issues whenever possible. Try to meet regularly and, if possible, informally with your MLA. Try to attend constituency meetings, such as town hall meetings, and raise education questions.

It is easier to influence from inside than from outside. Be visible. Don’t have a one-track mind— education should be only one of your issues. Promote education resolutions at political party conventions. Get involved at the constituency association level.