Write your Legislators & Board Members

Have you ever wondered what would have happened if Dickens' courageous little boy never asked for more?

Educators and school employees must make their existence known to those we elect to the school board, city, state and federal positions. It is our responsibility to inform them how their decisions have a direct impact on the lives of our students, our schools and our own families.
Our representatives want and need to hear from us. Unfortunately, the further or longer they are away from us, the more difficult it is to establish meaningful communication. With the volume of interest groups buying for their attention, we may seem like a distant relative to them.

I encourage you to write your representative and legislator in your own handwriting, let them know what is going well in your school, community as well as your hardships. Inform them how their decisions impact your daily life and that of your students. Let them know how they can help you become a more productive teacher. Let them know where you stand on current educations bills coming before them. I strongly suggest that you refrain from sending e-mails or form letters. Why? Because a letter take the place of personal contact. It also informs the reader that you are courageous and serious of purpose. Letters get more respect from the reader.

An efficient manner to construct and send letters is to have a staff meeting after school. As a group, chart the main topics or points you wish to inform your representative about, explain why and how you expect him/her to vote. Each employee and staff member constructs their own letter around the points outlined. Use two or three different kinds of paper and once the letter is constructed, mail it from your residence. Different zip codes and return addresses are very important to politicians.
Your letter should never be more than one page, keep it simple and to the point. You have two objectives to accomplish. First to win favor for your cause, second to provide your representative information she/he may need to make an informed, favorable decision.
Remember you want your representative to vote your way. Support your opinion by explaining how it will affect your students, school and education in general. It is important to have supporting facts.
Above all, be polite and respectful no matter what your political affiliation is. Make sure there are no spelling errors in names, addresses or body of the letter.

Just like like Oliver Twist... during this belt tightening times we need to ask for more.