Activate
Activate Item 1: TALE Advocacy Development committee arranged a table in the Exhibit Hall of the 2020 TALE conference.
(A1-Arrange for advocacy booth at state conference)
At the 2020 TALE conference in February, the Advocacy Development committee arranged an advocacy table in the exhibit hall. Advocacy committee members manned the table to answer questions and provide resources related to advocacy in Texas to all conference attendees.
Activate Item 2: TALE created a link on the TALE homepage a to send concerns about literacy-related issues to state representatives.
(A2-Implement an e-mail & letter-writing campaign)
Following the successful postcard campaign in 2018, the Advocacy Development committee set up a permanent link on the TALE homepage that helped TALE members find and contact their local representatives. The Advocacy Development committee encouraged members to relay their concerns about literacy and literacy education to their representatives.
Activate Item 12: TALE's Advocacy Development committee developed their own Twitter handle in order to disseminate information. This information was also shared through TALE's main Facebook and Twitter accounts.
(A12: Utilize social media)
During 2019-2020, TALE continued to have an active and strong social media presence on both Facebook and Twitter. This included creating a TALE Advocacy Twitter account, which can be found at @AdvocacyTale.
Activate Item 13: TALE's Advocacy Development committee held an open committee meeting during the 2020 TALE Conference
(A13: Other activation efforts)
During the 2020 TALE Conference, the TALE's Advocacy Development Committee held an open meeting. The committee meeting was advertised in the 2020 TALE Conference program and open to all conference attendees. Several individuals attended and became new committee members.
Activate Item 13: TALE partnered with Raise Your Hand Texas for the Teachers Can Campaign.
(A13: Other activation efforts)
In April of 2020, TALE partnered with Raise Your Hand Texas, a group that supports public policy solutions that invest in our students, encourage innovation and autonomy, and improve college and workforce readiness. TALE supported the #TeachersCan Campaign, which was a statewide movement led by teachers and supported by more than 125 partnering businesses and organizations committed to elevating the teaching profession and honoring the critical role teachers play in the success of Texas. More information on Raise Your Hand Texas can be found here.
Activate Item 13: TALE had an Advocacy Director from Raise Your Hand Texas to speak at a TALE board meeting.
(A13: Other activation efforts)
Kaylan D. Smith, the Regional Advocacy Director for Dallas County, presented to the TALE board of directors at the June 2020 board meeting. During her presentation, she shared details regarding the policies being supported in Texas during the next legislative session.