Search Results

Florida HB 1557: Don't Say Gay HB 7: Stop WOKE HB 1467: K-12 Education When politicians play games with our schools, children suffer. Check out the details and the consequences of recent legislation in Florida. HB 1557 "Don't Say Gay" Law Bill Text Consequences Lawsuits Final version signed by Governor DeSantis on March 28, 2022 STOKING FEAR AMONG TEACHERS Teachers speak out against Florida's "Parental Rights in Education" bill ​ IMPACTING THE PUBLIC SECTOR Businesses oppose Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ ban on discussion of LGBTQ issues in public schools ​ STUDENT WALK OUTS Gainesville High School students walk out in protest of "Don't Say Gay" Bill [ALACHUA] ​ EXACERBATING THE TEACHER SHORTAGE 'I cannot teach in Florida': LGBTQ educators fear fallout from new school law ​ IMPACTING THE PUBLIC SECTOR Disney to Lose Special Tax Status in Florida Amid ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Clash ​ IMPACTS ON LGBTQ FAMILIES Same-sex parents living in Alachua County grapple with increase of anti-LGTBQ bills filed [ALACHUA] ​ CONFUSION AND OVER-IMPLEMENTATION Vague language in law results in confusion, fear at district level, causing districts to interpret law as conservatively as possible, implementing rules that are not mandated by the new law [DUVAL - dress codes, pronouns] ​ LACK OF GUIDANCE Without any guidance from the state, even leaders recognize the law in unable to be implemented. DOE issues memo stating that law will only apply to K-3 until guidance for later grades can be issued, causing even more confusion among districts. ​ CONFUSION AND OVER-IMPLEMENTATION Vague language in law results in confusion, fear at district level, causing districts to interpret law as conservatively as possible, implementing rules that are not mandated by the new law [ORANGE - T's CAN'T have rainbow stickers , then they CAN ] ​ FEAR AMONG STUDENTS Among law that leaves nearly every decision about students' learning and wellbeing up to parents, LGBTQ students scared, nervous - particularly those with unaccepting and unsupportive families ​ CONFUSION AND OVER-IMPLEMENTATION Confusion among school boards on what is and isn't allowed, aligned under 1557 [Miami-Dade School Board Rejects New Textbooks With Sex Education Curriculum ; Reversing a Reversal, Miami School Board Accepts Sex Ed Books It Had Rejected ] ​ CONFUSION AND OVER-IMPLEMENTATION Vague language in law results in confusion, fear at district level, causing districts to interpret law as conservatively as possible, implementing rules that are not mandated by the new law [LEON-gym class, support guide] EMBOLDENED EXTREMISM Florida school board candidate says doctors who treat trans kids 'should be hanging' from a tree DISTRICTS SET UP FOR FAILURE HB 1557 and others similar across states spurred Biden Administration to issue new Title IX guidance centered around protecting transgender students. Shortly after, FLDOE issues memo to schools , district instructing them not to follow guidance, because it would be dangerous to do so and they would be open to lawsuits for not following new state law. ((Meanwhile, four districts (G19) are already getting sued FOR following new state law.)) ​ IMPACTING PUBLIC SECTOR BUSINESS DeSantis files complaint against Miami restaurant after kids attend drag show, citing 1947 ruling on ‘men impersonating women’ . (Bill helping to catalyze a culture of targeting any interaction, in any setting, between LGBTQ people and children) ​ CONFUSION AND BURDEN FOR TEACHERS Florida teachers race to remake lessons as DeSantis laws take effect ​ ED LAWS USED AS LEVERAGE IN OTHER ANTI-LGBTQ LEGISLATION Building off the political momentum gained from HB 1557 and others, state leaders now seek to limit healthcare for LGBTQ youth --again, following patterns in other states. ​ NO GUIDANCE AT ANY LEVEL Revised student progression plan simply reiterates language from new laws without defining terms that teachers must know in order to protect their livelihoods (and in order to avoid becoming a liability to their school) [CHARLOTTE] ​ EXACERBATING THE TEACHER SHORTAGE Teachers say political battles over race, LGBTQ issues, are driving them out of Florida classrooms ​ CENSORING LGBTQ BOOKS A Florida school district added a parental 'advisory notice' to over 100 books ​ UNDUE BURDEN ON TEACHERS, ADMINS School leaders grapple with new rules for upcoming year ​ FUELING HATE ONLINE Anti-LBGTQ Hate Online Rose Sharply After Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law Passed ​ TEACHERS UNDER A MICROSCOPE Teachers across the state feel anxious , worried about bill's impacts on the way they can teach, whether they may be sued ​ VILIFYING TRANS KIDS This bill has stoked such fear among teachers, students, while emboldening conservative legislators to make unfounded attacks on individual trans kids. Doing so will create more unnecessary panic and set the stage for an anti-trans bathroom bill in 2023. ​ CONFUSION AMONG TEACHERS So-Called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law Confuses Some Florida Schools ​ ALL SUPPORTS FOR LGBTQ STUDENTS ERASED Manny Diaz, when he was a legislator carrying HB 1557 through, promised the bill (which restricts only instruction) would not impact non-curricular things like student srevices, clubs, supports, etc. Now, as Ed Commissioner, he bans students support guides across the state. Florida Educational commissioner gives go ahead to 'pull' LGBTQ support guides for students ​ FL TEACHERS RECRUITED TO OTHER STATES North Dakota district recruiting Florida teachers upset by 'Don't Say Gay' law ​ FURTHER EVIDENCE: TEACHERS CONFUSED, SCHOOLS LEFT TO NAVIGATE VAGUE AND CONFLICTING RULES Back to School in DeSantis’s Florida, as Teachers Look Over Their Shoulders ​ CHILLING EFFECT ON TEACHERS ‘It’s had a chilling effect’: Florida teachers anxious about ‘don’t say gay’ bill ​ OVER-IMPLEMENTATION Students who want to change their name or pronouns in Sarasota schools must now get parental permission , meaning students must out themselves to their families in order to get permission to be addressed the correct way at school. [SARASOTA] ​ TOTAL LGBTQ ERASURE Miami-Dade School Board to vote on whether to recognize LGBTQ history month post ‘Don’t Say Gay’ ​ OVER-IMPLEMENTATION Pasco Schools order removal of ‘safe space’ stickers showing support for LGBTQ students [PASCO] ​ OVER-IMPLEMENTATION Miami Dade school board rejects resolution to acknowledge October as LGBTQ History month, citing DSG. Strategy: Legislators used the vague language in 1557 to make it seem palatable enough to pass at the state level, knowing it would be overextended in this way because districts have no choice but to implement it as conservatively as possible. The bill includes a PCOA that means districts could be sued if they violate a law that they don't understand. [MIAMI DADE] ​ IMPACTING THE PUBLIC SECTOR Games Done Quick, one of the largest esports and video game competitions in the world, has announced it will not hold its event in person this coming year because DSG has made the state unsafe for its participants. ​ MORE DIFFICULT TO ADOPT MATERIALS THAN TO START FROM SCRATCH Duval County school board recently convened to decide whether to adopt inclusive supplemental sex ed materials, but district leaders decided that it is easier to abide by all the mandates of the new law if the district creates their own instead. This is surprising given the immense time and capacity it takes to do so. Duval school district decides to write its own material for sex-education supplement [DUVAL] ​ STOKING FEAR AMONG STUDENTS Critics say new school policies in Florida ostracize LGBTQ students UNCERTAINTY AMONG TEACHERS With Their Licenses in Jeopardy, Florida Teachers Unsure How the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Law Will Be Applied OVER-IMPLEMENTATION Florida state board approves strict implementation of anti-LGBTQ laws . Florida school board sets rules for HB 7 and HB 1557 far more strict than what the law mandates, such as restrictions around bathroom and facilities use. EXACERBATING THE TEACHER SHORTAGE Fla. to strip licenses of K-3 teachers who discuss gender identity, sexuality ​ BLUEPRINT CREATED Members of Congress introduced a bill, closely modeled after FL's Don't Say Gay, after it saw success in numerous states. FL state leaders have now created a blueprint for conservative leaders nationally to pass harmful legislation. A national ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law? Republicans introduce bill to restrict LGBTQ-related programs March 2022 NCLR, EQFL, students sue the state ​ July 2022 Parents, students, advocacy groups sue four Florida school boards August 2022 Parents, students request preliminary injunction in case against DSG ​ September 2022 Duval County School Board asks judge to allow so-called 'Don't Say Gay' law ​ October 2022 Judge Winsor dismisses case (Kaplan) Opponents try again to block Florida's law that restricts instruction on LGBTQ-related issues ​ Father sues Florida school district over LGBTQ pride flags in classroom ​ November 2022 Florida parents, teachers refile lawsuit over ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law (Kaplan) HB 1557: Don't Say Gay HB 7 "Stop WOKE" Act Bill Text Consequences Lawsuits Final version signed by Governor DeSantis on March 22, 2022 CONFUSION, CHAOS OVER TEXTBOOK ADOPTION Florida Rejects Math Textbooks, Citing ‘Prohibited Topics’ ​ CONFUSION, CHAOS OVER TEXTBOOK ADOPTION Florida reintroduces math textbooks scrubbed of ‘woke’ content ​ SEVERE LIMITS ON SOCIAL STUDIES TEXTBOOKS Florida Is Placing Limits on Social Studies Textbooks. Here’s What Has to Go (see also: Florida’s focus on math textbooks may be nothing compared to what’s next ) ​ LIMITED IMPACT ON CHARTER SCHOOLS Many, but not all, of the provisions in the new Florida laws pertain to activities at the school board level and other statutes that do not pertain to charter schools. Florida charter schools mostly exempt from 2022 education laws. Here’s why. ​ EXACERBATING TEACHER SHORTAGES The national teacher shortage is growing. In Florida, controversial laws are making it worse. ​ DRIVING PROPAGANDA HB 7 helped lay the foundation for a coordinated effort from DeSantis to rewrite history and how it's taught in FL public schools. New Civics Initiative Involved Teaching Kids Slavery In America Wasn't that Bad. ​ TEACHERS UNDER A MICROSCOPE Teachers across the state feel anxious , worried about bill's impacts on the way they can teach, whether they may be sued. ​ UNIVERSITY FUNDING HANGS IN THE BALANCE University professors have had to rework their syllabi for the coming academic year to meet the demands of HB 7, for fear of funding, firing. ​ TEACHERS POLICING TEACHERS Florida teacher says he quit after the staff removed photos of Black leaders ​ POLICING BLACK EDUCATORS IN SCHOOLS Educators are under increased scrutiny, even from other teachers, about the content they have in their classrooms, the people about whom they teach, and the ways they communicate to students. Anything having to do with Black leaders, history is seen as CRT. Florida teacher quits after staff removed posters of Black leaders ​ FURTHER EVIDENCE: TEACHERS CONFUSED, SCHOOLS LEFT TO NAVIGATE VAGUE AND CONFLICTING RULES Back to School in DeSantis’s Florida, as Teachers Look Over Their Shoulders April 2022 Minutes after bill is signed, lawsuit filed against DeSantis for 'Stop WOKE Act' ​ May 2022 SPLC files amicus brief in Falls v. DeSantis, on behalf of Freedom to Read and Learning for Justice, detailing impact on teachers and educator workforce ​ June 2022 With ‘Stop W.O.K.E. Act’ imminent, judge denies request to halt law ​ July 2022 UCF professor, 3 others can pursue lawsuit against ‘Stop WOKE Act’ ​ August 2022 Florida Judge grants preliminary injunction on HB 7 with respect to workplace trainings ​ ACLU files lawsuit challenging HB 7 HB 7: Stop WOKE HB 1467 K-12 Education Bill Text Consequences Lawsuits Final version signed by Governor DeSantis on March 25, 2022 LIMITS, BURDENS AROUND READING AND MATERIALS [Sarasota] Teachers in Sarasota County told they must provide alternative materials for every subject upon request, must clear all materials with school ahead of start of school year, cannot do read-alouds with young students in school library ​ PARENTS, NOT MEDIA EXPERTS, DECIDE MATERIALS FL DOE issues a memo calling for parents to join a work group to develop training for school media specialists. https://twitter.com/libraryofquirky/status/1561334111586885633?s=20&t=v6ciaBczEByPiZTKjZdfhw ​ NO NEW MATERIALS WHILE GUIDANCE IS CREATED Florida Schools Freeze Book Donations, Purchases In Wake Of Censoring Law ​ FOUNDATIONAL MATERIALS SUBJECT TO SCRUTINY Florida school district rejects dictionary donations amid new book law ​ CENSORING Florida schools add warning labels to books deemed potentially inappropriate for students ​ TEACHERS SHORTAGES GREATEST IN ELA Report from FL DOE outlines which subjects (by district and overall) have the greatest teacher shortages, and English/Language Arts has is in the greatest needed ​ NEW LAW UNNECESSARY Materials review committee made up of educators and community members, as mandated by HB 1467, ruled unanimously that 4 books removed last year ought to be reinstated to the schools' libraries. This new process takes the place of the district's old process by which parents could protest the use of a material in a school (pre-HB 1467). According to the superintendent, not one person ever used that process to protest books (the need to file formal complaints against schools over materials was the driving push behind the new law). School Board Overrules Local Leaders' Ban on Four Books [OSCEOLA] ​ SEVERE UPTICK IN NUMBER OF BANNED BOOKS, COMPLAINTS FROM PARENTS The majority of banned books are the result of complaints filed by organized parent groups such as Moms for Liberty and nearly 100% are filed under complaints of pornography. But a recent PEN America report shows only 22% of banned books in Florida schools contain sexual content. ​ SEVERE UPTICK IN NUMBER OF BANNED BOOKS DCPS leads state in requests to ban books, report shows [DUVAL] None as of October 1, 2022 HB 1467: K-12 Education

Messaging Guidance How to be effective How to talk about education issues with family and friends How to talk about education issues at school board meetings It can be easy to get caught up in the heat of the conversation. To help, here are some tips on how to talk about educational equity. Messaging Guidance How to be effective Speak on our terms — not theirs: Avoid using hot button language that is intentionally being mischaracterized. Say what you mean with simple language that reflects your community values. Aim to engage, not educate: People tend to shut down when they feel like they’re being “educated.” Instead, bring them into the conversation, by hearing their perspectives, asking questions, and thanking them for sharing. Share the truth, but know when to leave: Remember that not everyone will be willing to listen, and it’s not your responsibility to convince everyone at the table. Make sure to acknowledge how you’re feeling and take time to practice routines of selfcare. As we continue to navigate fraught and intense discussions, it’s important that we step away from hot-button language and humanize the debate . This language will help allies transition away from the opposition’s framing so that we can get the conversation back on our terms. When confronted with opposition talking points or concerns: DO address concerns earnestly, and inoculate against the worst misconceptions DON’T debate the meaning of jargon, or dismiss concerns outright. Sample pivot and inoculation statements: I hear what you’re saying. I think we can both agree that we want our kids to feel valued and accepted. That’s why… I hear your concern, and I want to be clear that isn’t what is happening in our classrooms. What we both care about is… Parent involvement is great and I am so glad you are involved in your kids' education. In fact, parents and teachers should work together to… How to be effective How to talk about education issues with family and friends Do Don't DO speak about bans on historical figures, authors, and other local concerns. DON'T use national examples or viral media that isn’t actually based on the local reality and context. DO ensure that everyone has enough time and space to clearly discuss their point of view. DON'T apologize for elevating, listening to, and advocating for students, especially students of color. DO ensure that everyone has enough time and space to clearly discuss their point of view. DON'T use yelling or attacking language (e.g. refrain from calling someone racist or using hot topic buzz words). DO appeal to the shared values at the table—whether that’s about kids learning life skills, compassion, or empathy—and look for common ground in education. DON'T use jargon that they might not be familiar with or zero-sum language (i.e. describe the type of environments every student deserves rather than saying “equitable learning environments”). How to talk about education issues with family and friends How to talk about education issues at school board meetings Do Don't DO speak from your own personal experience and about local examples and local concerns DON’T use national examples or rhetoric that isn’t actually based on the local reality and context DO use messaging that brings in the widest tent (i.e. focus on the benefits for ALL children) DON’T apologize for elevating, listening to, and advocating for students, particularly students of color or LGBTQ+ students DO appeal to shared values (e.g. the importance of students being able to see themselves and their cultures in the books they read, etc.) and look for common ground in education DON’T repeat the other side’s negative framing to address criticism DO define restrictive laws in clear terms (e.g. “these laws stop teachers from teaching about race relations and inequality”) DON’T use jargon (i.e. avoid formal language and focus on making your point clearly) or zero-sum language (i.e. refer to history as “expansive” or “full” rather than “accurate”) DO ensure that each speaker has a clearly defined ask for the board DON’T yell or use attacking language (e.g. refrain from calling someone racist) DO clearly define the impact, rather than focusing on motives. Share examples of real-world harm, specific to your school district, regarding discrimination and inequality DON’T get into a semantics debate on what CRT and SEL really is, and how your work is or isn’t CRT or SEL DO start by thanking the Board and acknowledging the difficult work they do on behalf of their constituents, even if you don’t agree with them DON’T start with anger or accusations – that doesn’t help leaders receive your message with openness How to talk about education issues at school board meetings

< Back Network Building One of the most important things we can do as a network of like minded people is to build out that base of support! It is one thing to identify people within your district, to support your cause, but it is quite a greater thing to have an organized network of supporters across the region. Not all of your supporters will want to be involved in actions in the same way. Some will want to lead, or organize more support. Some will want to talk to the media. Some will want to tell their stories… Some may even want to run for school board! But if you collectively have a way to train, message, and activate our network, someone will likely always show up to help! The goal here is to build your base of support to the best of your ability, and then you can join with other groups of supporters into a collective network that’s ready, willing and able to mobilize when the time is right. It’s easiest to keep a spreadsheet to track your network. Here’s a template. There are 5 pieces of an ask: ● Intro ● Issue ● Polarization/Agitation ● Vision ● Ask/Commitment The structure is the same whether you are knocking on doors, making phone calls, or meeting with an elected official. Once you’ve practiced, you’ll be able to adapt your ask to any situation. A couple of quick tips ● Grab your rolodex or address book and start there. ● Export all of your contacts in your email to a csv or excel spreadsheet and copy and paste into your spreadsheet and start asking people for their support ● Download all of your cell phone contacts ● Otherwise, just start brainstorming… Your Personal Circle : Since we are working around school districts, you should likely begin thinking about your children's friends and school. Start listing out those folks first. Then you can move on to your own personal networks. ● Immediate Family and Friends (ALL of them) ○ Spouse and their friends ○ Children ○ Parents ○ Grandparents ○ Close Friends ○ Neighbors ● People from YOUR Elementary School – think of students, favorite teachers, principals, school board members, coaches, teammates, clubs, neighbors, etc ● People from YOUR Junior High School ● People from YOUR High School ● People from YOUR Undergraduate Institution– think of students, TAs, favorite professors, clubs, advisors, coaches, teammates, roommates, etc ● Post Graduate ● Current Employer(s) and Colleagues ● Past Employers and Colleagues (Every Job) ● Current and past boards and commissions ● Current and past volunteer organizations ● Spiritual or religious communities ● Service Clubs – Rotary, Kiwanis, Lyons, Legion, etc ● Social/Hobby Clubs – Wine, Sports, Book, Food, etc ● Online Social Networks – people who aren’t captured above ○ Social media, LinkedIn ● Personal Subcontractors (Insurance Agent, CPA, Attorney, Realtor, Stylist, Investment Banker, Car Dealer, Veterinarian, Doctors, Dentists, Travel Agent, Pet Sitters, etc.) Previous Next

< Back Increasing Voter Turnout Talk Through Text Voters will pay attention to the little buzz in their pockets or purse, therefore, making texting a powerful way to drive voters to the polls. Users of Outvote , a mobile app that helps you text personal contacts reminders to vote, had an 8 percentage point effect on getting their friends to cast ballots in the 2018 midterm elections. Are you thinking of using texting to help increase voter turnout? Here are a few tips to keep in mind: Build your text list by requesting mobile numbers at voter registration drives Texting had the biggest impact on the turnout of voters ages 30 to 44 Only the more personal approaches substantially increase voter turnout The Key To Knocking On Doors Team up with local organizations, such as community groups and churches for a people-powered grassroots movement. Door-knocking has traditionally been one of the most popular campaign strategies to increase voter turnout and remains a leading method in reaching out to voters. Scale Up With Social Media Fact - There are over 302 million people using social media in the U.S. As social media continues to grow in popularity among politicians using these platforms to amplify their messages, apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are ideal places to plant voter education messages to help drive turnout. Organize a Voter Registration Drive Help make an impact by registering voters. Consider using platforms, such as Rock The Vote , which will provide you with a toolkit to host virtual or in-person voter registration drives. Consider The Messenger When sending voter education messages, always consider the messenger. Deliver the message through a platform or person that people trust. For example, you can entrust the help of a local influencer that has a trusted rapport with the community; consider local leaders, a local celebrity, or a social media influencer that has a connection to the community. Previous Next

The Facts What is the role of civics? What is social-emotional learing? Is transparency in schools a good thing? Learn more about what people are talking about The Facts Is transparency in schools a good thing? Yes! Parents have a right to know what their children are learning - no really, they already have that right. Federal law already requires schools to provide easily understandable data about student, school, and district academic performance and well-being. Legislation framed as a “need for transparency” is being pushed by radical politicians who want to drive a wedge between teachers and parents. They see this as an opportunity to insert their extremist agenda and culture wars into our classrooms. Is transparency in schools a good thing? What is social-emotional learning? Social-emotional learning teaches students the essential communication, decision-making, and self-discipline skills to build their confidence and succeed in the real world. By creating a positive learning environment where students learn how to focus and be productive, schools provide kids with the social skills they need to thrive. This approach has proven to increase academic performance and improve classroom behavior. ​ Students need to learn the fundamentals like reading and math, but we don't need to choose between academics and essential social-emotional skills. In fact, independent studies have found that kids who learn social and emotional skills at school do better academically than students who don’t. What is social-emotional learing? What is the role of civics? The role of civics is to teach students about how the government functions and the important role they play in that process. Our constitutional democracy requires informed civic participants, but for decades we have failed to prepare young Americans. We must ensure that all students learn the complete and accurate teaching of United States history. Teaching civics is important to the health of our democracy and the trust that citizens have in democratic institutions. What is the role of civics?

< Back School Board Meetings DO Speak from your own personal experience and about local examples and local concerns Use messaging that brings in the widest tent (i.e. focus on the benefits for ALL children) Appeal to shared values (e.g. the importance of students being able to see themselves and their cultures in the books they read, etc.) and look for common ground in education Define restrictive laws in clear terms (e.g. “these laws stop teachers from teaching about race relations and inequality”) Ensure that each speaker has a clearly defined ask for the board Clearly define the impact, rather than focusing on motives. Share examples of real-world harm, specific to your school district, regarding discrimination and inequality Start by thanking the Board and acknowledging the difficult work they do on behalf of their constituents, even if you don’t agree with them DON'T Use national examples or rhetoric that isn’t actually based on the local reality and context Apologize for elevating, listening to, and advocating for students, particularly students of color or LGBTQ+ students Repeat the other side’s negative framing to address criticism Use jargon (i.e. avoid formal language and focus on making your point clearly) or zero-sum language (i.e. refer to history as “expansive” or “full” rather than “accurate”) Yell or use attacking language (e.g. refrain from calling someone racist) Get into a semantics debate on what CRT and SEL really is, and how your work is or isn’t CRT or SEL Start with anger or accusations – that doesn’t help leaders receive your message with openness Previous Next

< Back GOTV Events Explainer Why GOTV Events Matter Some events gather a large group of voters together in one place to get the word out about voting in your community. Other events can help you drive voters to the polls and increase turnout in your area. All GOTV events are great opportunities to help build your base for year round organizing, school board resolution work, and even for your next election. The list of GOTV events below is not exhaustive, but it covers the main types of events you often come across. As long as you are careful to follow any c3/c4 regulations that may apply to you, there is no limit to the types of GOTV events you can create. You can make these events as large or small as you’d like. They can include guest speakers to talk about the importance of voting generally or in this particular election, though you cannot include candidates or candidate’s representatives at this if you are running a c3 program. If your polling location is close to your event you can march to your location as a group. Visually, this is a great way to also remind the rest of the community to vote. Be aware of your surroundings if you are planning to march as a group. If you live in a strongly anti-equity community, skip the march so you’re not reminding people who don’t support your issues. If you are carpooling to your polling location make sure you have someone in charge of making sure everyone gets a ride. If your group has money, consider getting a bus to take everyone to the polls. Voting events are great ways to make sure your supporters remember to vote and are also a potential press opportunity or a public interest story on voting. Vote for Breakfast Vote for Breakfast is an event where you gather together in a community room, a local restaurant with an event space, a taco truck in a parking lot, or someone’s home for an early breakfast to discuss why voting and this election matter. You will review what you need to bring with you to vote and then head over to a polling location to all get in line together. It works as an Election Day event, or as an event any morning during early vote. Eat Pray Vote Eat, Pray, Vote events involve breakfast after your religious service, conducting your voter education program, and going to vote as a group. These events work best if you have early voting or voting happening on the same day as a group’s religious service. Early Vote Block Party An Early Voting Block Party gathers people together at a block party, or at a park where you can BBQ, to put on your voter education program and then go as a group to vote. While this can take place on Election Day, it’s particularly useful as a weekend event during early voting. Running to the Vote Running to the Vote is an example of an event you can do with neighborhood interest groups.If there are groups that already meet in your community, particularly if you have members or volunteers who are active in the group(s), ask if you can join at the end of their regular meeting to talk voter education and then go vote as a group. Post Card Parties There are a number of ways to do a postcard party. The general idea behind them is that voters are far more likely to actually look at mail that has something handwritten on it. A quick note on a postcard, even if only part of the postcard is handwritten, will dramatically increase the chances voters will look at your mail piece, even if they tend to throw out election mail. You can get a group of volunteers together in someone’s home or a community space and write postcards to newly registered voters (that’s public information you can get from your local elections department). You can use postcards to remind your IDd voters to vote. Take a list of every voter you identified as a supporter during your program and send them a postcard. If making vote plans with IDd voters was part of your field strategy, send them postcards reminding them when they said they would vote. Whatever the reason you’re writing your postcards, make it a party. Put on some music, make it a potluck or order some pizza. Use these events both as recruitment tools to get new volunteers and as events to Get Out the Vote. Candidate Events If you are a c3 organization you can host certain candidate events as long as you are careful to follow the election laws. Under c3 rules you have to invite every candidate to a forum—not just the ones who you think may support your issues. You also have to give each candidate the opportunity to answer your questions, and you cannot show favoritism to any candidate, regardless of their answers or your feelings about them. Check with an elections lawyer or expert in your state before you plan your candidate event so you stay compliant. A Candidate Forum first and foremost helps you build a strong relationship with future elected officials and gives you the chance to help educate your community on who the candidates are and what they stand for. They can also help build your base and let potential elected officials see the power of your group in numbers. Finally, as with all good organizing events, this is an opportunity to educate your base while inspiring them to take action on your issue. Common Roles Moderator : The person in this role runs the meeting, asks questions to the candidates, and makes any in the moment decisions about any needed adjustments to the forum in accordance with guidelines your group/organization laid out before the event. Time Keepe r: This person is responsible for tracking the time and letting candidates and the moderator know when they are close to or over their time to respond. Candidate Greeter: This person greets the candidates and makes sure they have what they need to participate in the forum. Community Gree ter : This person greets the community as they come into the event and ensures that everyone signs in when they arrive. Social Media Person: This person/persons takes pictures and videos at the events and posts to your group’s social media. Press Person : If you invite press, make sure you have someone well versed in your work and the event there to answer questions and direct the press to any spokespeople you’ve prepped to speak on behalf of the organization or the community. Previous Next

< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 10, 2023 press@campaignsharedfuture.org Campaign for Our Shared Future Launches "The Unbiased Classroom" Blog "The Unbiased Classroom" is a resource that aims to shed light on the effects of politics entering the education system and how it’s hurting all of our children WASHINGTON, DC - The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is excited to announce the launch of its blog, " The Unbiased Classroom " which serves as a space for open dialogue and respectful discussions on today's challenging topics. By leveraging the expertise and perspectives of guest authors, including educators, parents, leaders, and other passionate advocates, this blog will delve into preserving the integrity of our educational system. "Education is the cornerstone of our society, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality and inclusive learning environment. 'The Unbiased Classroom' serves as a powerful platform for fostering dialogue, challenging existing norms, and working towards a future where equity and excellence are not mere aspirations, but fundamental principles guiding our educational system,” said Heather Harding, Ed.D, Executive Director of COSF. COSF recognizes the value of open dialogue and respectful discussions, especially on the most pressing issues of our time. "The Unbiased Classroom" is specifically designed to foster such conversations, enabling everyone from educators to politicians to seek common ground and work together towards effective solutions that prioritize the well-being and success of our children. COSF is pleased that its inaugural guest author is Willie Carver, Jr a former Kentucky Teacher of the Year and author who was forced to resign due to the relentless harassment he endured, as well as the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination on his teaching and the overall school environment. Read an excerpt from States Across America Just Handed their Curriculum to Extremists : Education has always dealt with the political reality of racism and homophobia, but, as multiple recent reports show, those issues are worsening in public schools–and our communities are feeling the aftershock. Schools are erasing LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices in order to avoid controversy and legal repercussions at a time when students in those communities need to feel inclusion and belonging for their wellbeing . I saw this erasure play out often in my former school district, Montgomery County Schools in Mount Sterling, KY. As a member of the English Department, I worked with my colleagues to select age-appropriate texts. One of those books was the award-winning The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Just one parent called and complained. It was banned the next day. At the time, our superintendent broke school policy in banning the book in one day without a process . Now, lack of process has become standard practice. You can read the full post here . Willie's powerful personal experience underscores the urgent need for inclusivity and tolerance within our educational institutions. Through his courageous story, "The Unbiased Classroom" aims to shed light on the challenges faced by educators and students alike, with the ultimate goal of effecting positive change. ### The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is a non-partisan effort to support high-quality K-12 education and preserve access, inclusion, and meaningful content in our schools so that every student has an opportunity to succeed and thrive. COSF is a common ground effort committed to fighting the attack on education across the country. Previous Next

< Back Attending School Board Meetings As a concerned community member, you may wish to be part of the decision-making process for your local schools by attending school board meetings and supporting important proposals. If you do, there are important ways to ensure that your voice is heard. You won’t have a lot of time. Make sure that your message is succinct and powerful. Find out what the process is for speaking during the public comment period as well as how long you will have to speak. This can usually be found out by calling the main district office or looking on the school board’s website. The most powerful public comments are those that are unique and personalized. If you are speaking as part of a group, ensure that each person speaks to a different point so that the testimonies don’t sound repetitive. This also ensures that you can get multiple points across as a group even though each person only has a few minutes. A strong closer is important. Don’t just trail off at the end. Time yourself so that you ensure you can get through your closing without being cut off. Write down your remarks to ensure a polished presentation. Practice your remarks out loud. Don’t be afraid to show emotion. It’s not typical for the school board to ask or answer questions during an Open Forum. Be prepared to give your remarks without comment from the school board members. Be confident. This is your school district, and you have every right to be heard. Previous Next

< Back Speaking to Your School Board Step 1: Finding Your School Board’s Calendar First you will need to visit your school district’s website and then go to the calendar and identify when there are upcoming meetings. Step 2: Gathering information about your school board’s meetings Reach out to your school board member, superintendent, or principal and find out what issues the school board will be discussing. Ask when the public will be able to weigh in on these issues and how the school board will share those details with the community. Ask where and how school board meeting minutes will be available. Step 3: Registering to speak at a school board meeting You will likely need to register to speak at the meeting. Sometimes this can be listed under “participation” or a similar option. Many times school boards will have a deadline or a limit on how many speaking slots are available per meeting. Make sure you know when the sign-ups open so that you are ready to claim your spot. Step 4: Preparing your remarks You should be prepared to communicate clearly and directly and to share your story. Tell the board who you are and why you care. Some school boards have a limit on how long your remarks can be. Make sure you practice so that you don’t get cut off. Previous Next

< Back Script to Elected Officials Template Download the the template Previous Next