Embedded Files
Your elected officials are supposed to represent you, and so they need to hear from you! Below, find resources on lots of ways to use your voice to advocate for students in your community.
GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?
Speaking at a school board meeting is a really effective way to make your voice heard. Watch this 30-minute video and/or use the structure in this handout to write a compelling speech.
Writing an op-ed is a great way to reach a wide audience. Use this guide to learn how to draft an op-ed, and check out these op-eds from School Board School members on anti-trans laws, extremism, and voting for school board candidates.
Submitting written testimony is another great way to express yourself to your elected officials. Check out this resource on how to write great testimony, and read through these examples.
ORGANIZING YOUR NETWORK AROUND A CAUSE
Your message is much louder when there’s more than just one person saying it. Use these resources to organize people who care about the same issue and drive action to make change.
You can watch this 30-minute video to get a deep dive into organizing, and/or use this toolkit and organizing overview to begin bringing people in your network together around issues you care about.
RUN FOR SCHOOL BOARD!
We know that running for office is a big commitment, but you’re not alone! There are a lot of great organizations that support candidates and campaign staff.
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
We know that as individuals we can have a positive impact, but we won’t change systems alone; networks and coalitions change systems. Fortunately, there are lots of organizations already engaged in the work of improving student outcomes, ensuring we build school systems where every child can thrive, and advocating for an inclusive democracy.
Check out the organizations in this list, and reach out to them to see how your skills can be put to use! If you know of other great organizations that are looking for volunteers, use this form to tell us about them.
One great way to impact your local school is by serving on its governing body or a school association. Not sure where to start? Here’s a resource to help.
HOW TO SUPPORT ALL STUDENTS
HOW TO SUPPORT ALL STUDENTS
Watch this one-hour video on how to support LGBTQ+ students.
This 30-minute video covers how to support neurodivergent students.
We know that we have to focus on our students’ mental health, and this 40-minute video outlines a systems approach to supporting the whole student.
In this 20-minute video, you’ll see how we can reimagine schooling.
CHECK OUT THESE IDEAS FOR IMPROVING EDUCATION
CHECK OUT THESE IDEAS FOR IMPROVING EDUCATION
We know that the people closest to the problems are the ones with the solutions. That’s why we provide an opportunity every year for parents, teachers, students, and concerned community members to share their ideas for how to improve education directly with district decision-makers.
Watch the videos in the below chart and take the ideas that resonate with you to your district’s decision-makers, or use the structure of their 5-minute pitches as an inspiration for your own conversations.
Page updated
Report abuse