Develop Allies for Education
Holly Holland
"I've learned over many years as a lobbyist (that) the best advocate is the one closest to the issue," said David Shreve, a senior committee director with the National Council of State Legislatures. "Public perception of public education is almost synonymous with the public’s perception of Congress. They say, 'I hate (public schools or Congress), but I love (my child’s school or my representative).'"
Teachers and administrators should take advantage of the generally favorable attitudes people have about their local schools, said Shreve and other speakers at NMSA’s annual conference. Anyone can be an advocate for education, they said. The key to cultivating support for middle schools is not your position but your preparation and persistence.
"We have an obligation to speak out for what we believe," said Jody Powell, former Press Secretary to President Jimmy Carter and now a public relations executive who also is the son, the spouse, and the father of teachers. "It won't be heard, and it won’t be believed, and it won't be sustained unless you carry the message.”
To maximize your contacts, consider these tips from people who have sat on both sides of the policymaker's desk:
Gather and interpret data. Know the facts. Investigate the costs of positions you favor and the history of legislative proposals. Find out what bills have been introduced over time and the reasons why certain legislators supported or opposed them.
"If you can come to me with data that supports your position, it looks to me like you've done your homework," said Maryland State Delegate David Rudolph, a former middle school principal and teacher. "If you make a presentation and don't have the right information, I'll tell you to go back and do it."
Research your opponents' positions and be prepared to refute them. Use conversations with opposition legislators to find out why they do not support your proposal. That information can help you form an effective rebuttal, particularly when testifying during committee hearings.
Know the legislative schedule and structure. Find out the membership of key legislative committees and make sure you talk to the lawmakers who will have an opportunity to move bills out of committee. Know when, where, and how you can testify during hearings.
"Observe and watch and know the protocol for how things are done," suggested Rudolph. "The decisions are made in committees and subcommittees. Rarely is a vote brought to the floor that doesn’t pass or is even close. You can't wait until the floor vote to contact your legislator. Go to the legislators long before the session when there's time to do the research and drafting of legislation."
Use technology to track legislation. You can download bills and track the progress of legislation in most states through the Internet. Go to www.state.[YOUR STATE’S POSTAL ABBREVIATION HERE].us.
Don’t always oppose legislation. Show lawmakers how they can improve existing laws or amend a bill to make it better. Talk to many legislators, even if you know that they will disagree with you on most issues. Repeated contacts — especially when they're congenial — can pave the way for agreement down the road.
"You don't have to talk down to someone, but you have to probably explain it with some examples," said Missouri State Senator Steve Stoll, a former high school teacher. "Try to discover how much the legislator (or visitor) knows or thinks they know and then really try to use your teaching skills to educate them."
Use your knowledge to inform the public. Former Colorado Congresswoman Pat Schroeder said few people know that only 6 percent of the federal budget flows to education. The way many politicians pander to voters during election season, she said, one would think that lawmakers would back their promises with financial resources. But they don't. Schroeder suggests sharing this kind of information with parents, educators, and other interested parties. Don't be afraid to take on politicians, she said. Expose their poor voting records and lack of concern for important local issues.
Vote. Fight political and civic apathy and let your voice be heard. "When we sit on the sidelines, we turn it over to those who want it the other way," Powell said.
Recruit friends and allies. Establish relationships so people will advocate for you and your positions when you are not able to do so yourself.
"I've almost never regretted talking to people and trying to find common ground," Powell said.
Build coalitions with different groups. They might oppose you on some issues but support your position on others. Rudolph shared an example of a bill he sponsored to require smaller class sizes in Maryland’s middle schools and high schools. Because the legislation would have helped keep some small, rural schools open, instead of forcing them to consolidate with other schools for greater efficiency, preservationists supported the bill to keep historic buildings from being razed. The experience taught Rudolph that it pays to look for allies outside the normal channels of support.
Use written communications effectively. Personalize your correspondence, whether you use the conventional U.S. Postal Service channels or e-mail. Lawmakers are wary of letters and e-mail messages that organizations persuade their members to send because the signature is the only thing that makes the missives distinctive. Use your personal experience and stories so the communication will stand out.
"If it's important to you to make your position," Rudolph said, "then do it in a way that will make them want to read it."
Invite policymakers to your schools. "Most legislators only hear the war stories about middle school education," Rudolph said. "Let them see the good stuff."
Demarée K. Michelau, a policy associate with the National Conference of State Legislatures, advises educators to court elected officials by making regular overtures and letting them know how they can connect with their constituents in non-threatening situations.
"This is a great opportunity to develop relationships that can pay off later," she said.
Don’t expect immediate results. Attitudes and perceptions won’t change overnight. It might take several legislative sessions to persuade lawmakers to support your position. Consider an incremental approach of presenting new information in staggered stages, which gives people time to absorb data and change their minds.
Whatever strategy you use, keep the dialogue open. Remember that the image you project may be the one that creates a lasting impression of middle level education.