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< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 23, 2023 Contact: press@campaignsharedfuture.org The Campaign for Our Shared Future Calls on Families to Fight Against Record Number of Attempted Book Bans Washington, D.C. - Today, the Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) Executive Director, Heather Harding, Ed.D., released the following statement in response to an American Library Association (ALA) report that found a record number of attempts to ban books in 2022: “From classrooms to school libraries, students across the country are facing empty bookshelves. Extremist groups continue to appoint themselves judge and jury on what’s appropriate for everyone else’s children and are willing to send educators to jail who defy them. Unfortunately, today’s report from the American Library Association demonstrates how quickly this problem is spreading. “These attempted bans stir up controversy and distract from the very real issues our students face. Instead of tackling learning loss or mental health issues, our educators and school boards must combat misinformation and political posturing to protect our students' ability to read about heroes like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr . “What’s especially disturbing about today’s report is that these are attempted book bans that are reported by the media or library professionals, which means the total number of bans is likely much higher than any organization has captured so far. “We must not let these censorship efforts take away our children's chance to read about our history and how we can achieve America’s greatness. Parents and students need to work with school officials to push back on these attempted bans and keep this political theater out of our classrooms and libraries.” ​ ### 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

Connect with Heather Heather Harding, Ed.D. Heather Harding, Ed.D., is the Executive Director of the Campaign for Our Shared Future. She is responsible for the overall health, sustainability, and success of COSF’s work. Throughout her career, Heather has focused on the intersection between access to high-quality education and racial equity. She believes that respectful collaboration between parents and teachers is an essential tool for helping our kids succeed in life. As a mother of two teenagers, she knows that parents play the role of a child’s first and primary teacher. Before earning master’s and doctoral degrees from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Heather taught middle school and high school in underserved communities. Since then, her mission has been to improve education opportunities for all children, regardless of their class, color, or neighborhood. She had an opportunity to do this while serving as Teach for America’s Senior Vice President of Community Partnerships; as the founding Executive Director of EdCORE, a DC-focused education research consortium to improve outcomes for the students of the nation's capital; and in senior philanthropic leadership roles at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and most recently the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies. Connect with Eliza Eliza Byard, Ph.D. Eliza Byard, Ph.D., is co-founder and Senior Advisor to the Campaign for Our Shared Future. A leading global expert on LGBTQ+ issues in education, she is a strategist for movement building and mobilization at the local, national, and international level. From 2008 to 2021, Eliza was the Executive Director of GLSEN, an organization recognized worldwide as a pioneering leader in the fight for LGBTQ+ students’ well-being and access to education. During Eliza’s tenure, GLSEN’s work spurred a significant decline in anti-LGBTQ+ harassment and violence in U.S. schools, and established a new professional norm of support for LGBTQ youth among educators, school administrators, and school staff in the United States. She has served as a trusted advisor to a broad range of institutions and organizations, including the Gill Foundation, Target, Sodexo, the National Parks Service, the U.S. Department of Education, the CDC, UNESCO, and the World Bank.

Back to the top Voter Engagement Tips Key Voter Info Engaging Young People Tabling Increasing Voter Turnout Local elections have the most impact on each of us, and yet voter turnout remains low. Help us change that! Each person’s vote counts equally, and every single voter has the ability to make a difference in their community simply by showing up to the polls. Voter Engagement Tips Key Voter Info Who Can Vote? School board elections typically take place every two years in most states, and are held to elect members to the local school board who will oversee the school district's policies and budget. Eligibility to vote in school board elections varies by state, but in most states, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the school district, and at least 18 years old. Did you know… That your vote truly counts? One person = one vote. Your vote in school board elections helps determine the policies and resources that shape local schools, keeping education in our hands? Voting in local school board elections is our best chance to protect local control and the rights of family involvement? Voter turnout in school board elections is typically lower than in general elections. Fewer than 10 percent of voters cast ballots in school board elections? School boards make major decisions about school leadership, determine the mission and vision, approve the budget (including textbooks), adopt policies (including curriculum), and serve as community liaisons? How Can You Help? Register to vote and make a voting plan to participate in your local school board election. Use social media to spread the word about the upcoming election and encourage your friends and family to register to vote. Attend local community events to promote the election and help register voters. Partner with local schools, youth organizations, and other community groups to spread the word about the election and encourage participation. Provide information about early voting and vote-by-mail options, if available in your state, to make it easier for people to participate in the election. Here are a few resources to help you stay informed and organized as you head to the polls. Locate my district’s candidates Register to vote Find a polling place See what’s on the ballot Registration deadlines First-time voter checklist Healthy voter checklist Nationwide voting rules Key Voter Info Engaging Young People Use creative and visually appealing methods to convey information Young voters are often bombarded with information, so making your messaging stand out is essential. Use humor, animation, or memes to make your messaging more engaging. Consider creating eye-catching graphics, videos, or social media posts that explain complex issues clearly and concisely. The Campaign for Our Shared Future voter guide is a great tool to leverage to help young voters stay informed. This resource provides essential information about registration, participation, and guidance for staying current on current community issues. Youth Ambassadors Recruit young people to become ambassadors for the local school board elections. These ambassadors can help spread the word about the elections and encourage their peers to get involved. Host events that are relevant and appealing to young voters Consider organizing events geared towards the interests of young voters. For example, you could host a concert, poetry slam, or art exhibit focusing on education equity issues. These events help create a sense of community and camaraderie among young voters, which helps increase engagement. Collaborate with influencers Partner with local celebrities, social media influencers, or other high-profile individuals who can help spread your message to a broader audience. These individuals often have large followings on social media and can help generate buzz and excitement around your cause. Collaborate with Youth Organizations Partner with youth organizations and other community groups targeted at high school and college students to help promote the elections. These groups can provide a platform for outreach to a wider audience. Provide incentives for voting Consider offering small incentives such as free snacks, stickers, or other merchandise to young people who show up to vote. This can motivate young voters who may not feel particularly invested in the election's outcome. Highlight the election's impact on future generations Emphasize the long-term impact that elections can have on the future of education and the opportunities available to young people. Encourage young voters to think about the kind of world they want to create for themselves and their peers, and to vote accordingly. Engaging Young People 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. Increasing Voter Turnout Tabling Tabling Tabling List Items Eye-catching signage To draw people to the table, it's important to use eye-catching signs and banners that clearly communicate the purpose of the table. The signage should be clear and easy to read from a distance, and should include key messages about the importance of voting in school board elections. Tablecloth Table & Chairs (confirm tables needed with event sponsor/location) Tent Cover (depending on the weather for an outdoor event) Computer or Tablet (to collect information, register people to vote) Print Collateral/ Flyers SWAG items Branded items and merchandise Activities for children Coloring pages, crayons, games, etc. Cleaning items Clorox wipes, trash bags, gloves and hand sanitizer Set Up & Strategy Identify the right locations. To maximize the impact of tabling, it's important to set up in locations where people are likely to be. This might include community centers, libraries, shopping centers, or other areas where people gather. Use social media to promote the event, including the date, time, and location of the table. You should also use social media to share photos and videos of the event and to encourage others to get involved in voter registration and civic engagement. Have enough materials to last the whole event and take extra just in case. Prepare informational materials to distribute to those who stop by the table. This might include brochures, flyers, or other materials that provide information about school board elections, voter registration, and the importance of civic engagement. Be engaging! Cell phones and devices not being used for tabling purposes should be away from the table unless in case of an emergency. Make eye contact with community members and don’t be afraid to start a conversation. Stand in front of the table instead of sitting behind it. This shows a willingness to engage and tell community members about upcoming board elections in your community. When people stop by the table, partners and advocates should engage with them in a friendly and welcoming manner. This might involve asking them about their concerns or questions related to school board elections, providing them with information about the election process, or simply encouraging them to register to vote. Create interactive activities to engage people and make the table more memorable, setting up interactive activities such as a photo booth or an activity to develop a voting plan in preparation for school board elections. Organize your table. Be sure items are plentiful and are presented on your table in an organized manner. Keep your table neat. Throw away trash and replace wipes/hand sanitizer in between conversations. Be sure to follow up. After the event, follow up with those who stopped by the table to thank them for their participation and to encourage them to stay engaged in the election process.

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< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 31, 2023 press@campaignsharedfuture.org Latest Blog Post on “The Unbiased Classroom” Outlines How Parents Should Get Engaged To Help Our Students Thrive Washington, DC - The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) shares insights from Kate Nazemi, the Co-Founder of Advocates for Inclusive Education on the importance of parent-teacher relationships in the latest blog post for “ The Unbiased Classroom .” Read an excerpt from: Parents Play an Important Role in Their Child’s Education As parents, we want the best for our children. We desire to see them succeed in school, identify their passions and live out their dreams. While we play an essential role in our child's education, it is important to acknowledge the vital contribution of teachers in helping our children reach their full potential. The success of our children hinges on our support. Studies show that students with involved parents are more likely to have better academic performance, better behavior, and stronger self-esteem. In a time when education seems to be under attack, the best defense is a strong and united front composed of parents and teachers working for the greater good of students. As a mother, I believe every child deserves an inclusive, meaningful education that supports their health, learning and success. And I know that the relationship between myself and my childrens’ teachers impacts how well they do in and out of the classroom. As a parent, I have seen that collaborating with teachers to provide a positive and supportive learning environment allows my girls to thrive. Teachers are an essential resource for children to gain knowledge and skills to succeed. Every parent has a dream for their children, and well-equipped schools and educators help actualize them. You can read the full post here . COSF understands that open dialogue is necessary to create real change in our education system. For that reason, COSF collects the perspectives and expertise of educators, parents, leaders and advocates to encourage respectful conversations that can produce effective solutions for the success of our children. Kate’s experience as a mother and educational advocate provides an exceptional perspective on why collaboration and teamwork is crucial to an inclusive education system and the success of all children. ### 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 to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2023 press@campaignsharedfuture.org ICYMI: Campaign for Our Shared Future Elevates Student Leader’s Mission to Center Youth Voices In The Fight For High-Quality Education Latest Blog Post on “The Unbiased Classroom” Explains the Importance of Student Leadership For A High-Quality Education Washington, D.C . - Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) shares testimony from Addie Lentzner, a student and Executive Fellow with Our Turn , a national youth-led movement that promotes access to quality education. In the latest blog post for “The Unbiased Classroom,” Lentzner shares her experiences as a high school student during the start of the pandemic and encourages readers to center student voices in education decisions. Lentzner’s perspective adds value to discussions about curriculum and censorship. She understands how it feels to not learn about certain topics and the effect that has on her and her peers' ability to understand the world around them. Her and other youth leaders involved in Our Turn demonstrate that students care about what they learn, and student voices are crucial to creating a curriculum that is beneficial for all students. COSF knows that it takes collaboration to better education and students must be part of the conversation because they are experiencing the consequences of decisions every day. Their opinions can help us to understand what works and what could be better. Youth voices need to be heard so that they get the most out of their education experience. Read an excerpt from: “Want to improve K-12 Education? Listen to the Students.” “Addie, what happened during the war of 1812?” I quickly jumped from another tab - where I was focused on the latest news flashing across my screen - to the Google Meet screen for high school history. I unmuted, giving an answer I knew was nowhere near correct. I always loved school, and believed that education is one of the most important aspects of our society. However, I think we’re doing school all wrong. During 2020, at the start of COVID, my classmates and I had to transition to a whole new way of learning, while also navigating a period of reckoning with the incessant murders of innocent Black Americans. I understand the importance of history, and I eventually learned what happened during the war of 1812. But a classroom setting where high school students are unable to process the events taking place in the world around them and the changes that are affecting their lives isn’t an environment that best serves us. We were experiencing a worldwide pandemic, racial inequality and police brutality, and the stress of virtual learning on our mental health. And we were expected to come to the classroom and forget it all. The death of George Floyd was a moment of reckoning and yet it’s also part of a long history of race in America. A history that in too many places across the country is being erased by extremists and politicians. Did you know that there have been attempts to ban books or restrict curriculum in over 40 states? That there are publishers who have been pressured to remove race from lessons about Rosa Parks? This isn’t about making anyone feel bad, it’s about learning the true and complete history of our country - something that I didn’t get in my public school. … As the country and world watched our nation grapple with racial injustice and the continuous police brutality, we as students didn’t have the history to understand how we arrived at that moment and what we could do to overcome the adversity we were seeing. How can we expect young people to think independently and create positive change if we don’t teach them the truth? In short, we have to transform our education system to reflect the lived experiences of students and reflect the true and complete history of our country. You can read the full post here . If you are interested in learning about the work other student leaders are spearheading related to K-12 public schools the Campaign for Our Shared Future would welcome the opportunity to connect you to their work. ## 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 Election Recap: 2023 Executive Summary Tuesday’s election was a victory for kids. The results vividly illustrate what our collective dedication can accomplish. This is not about partisanship or CRT or parents rights or anything else. People went to the polls and voted for high-quality education for their children. Our c3 efforts increased voter turnout across key districts. Coalitions win elections at the local level. We as a national organization cannot divide and conquer. Collectively, we need to invest c3 and c4 dollars, and use every resource available to shine a light on hate slates. Lessons Learned Strategy : The top of the ticket has a significant impact on school board elections. In heavily Republican-leaning districts, we saw Republicans win down ballot. In many of these districts, we ran a strictly GOTV program and it was insufficient to elect pro-equity candidates. Thus, Phone Banks : Ensure volunteers are comfortable with both the content of the scripts and the technology being used. Every phone bank should start with a 15-20 minute training that includes a review of the script, a description of who you’re calling that day, and a space for tech questions. The first time you phone bank with a new group, assume you’ll spend 30-60 mins talking about the script and explaining the technology. Lots of volunteers fear the technology so it’s important to know the tech savviness of your group and adjust your training accordingly. Text Banking : We need to set up our text banking system earlier with a known platform and, most importantly, get opt-ins from supporters starting in the year ahead. Partnerships - Base building is key - we need relationships on the ground and State Organizers on the ground in any GOTV states (minimum 1 year up to election seasons) Voter Files : Be sure to have a plan for all of your technology before you settle on a voter file. It is ideal to be able to track your voter file, door knocking, text banking, and phone banking efforts in one centralized system that either runs everything or allows you to connect different platforms. Also, though the lowest priced voter file may seem best, determine whether there are hidden costs or logistical complications with connecting it to your voter outreach tools. Scripts : It’s important to update your scripts based on feedback from the organizations and activists on the ground. We wrote the initial drafts based on the issues that folks on the ground said were happening in the community, took feedback from them during the initial training, and made adjustments. Partners and activists made a point to let us know that most national organizations don’t ask for feedback and they were grateful to be included. It’s essential to work with folks on the ground and respect the knowledge they have about their own communities. Op-Eds : Recognizing that safety is an ongoing concern for parents and advocates on the ground, we need to find ways to ensure that potential allies feel safe to speak out about what’s going on in their community. This could come through connections to organizations that host online safety trainings or similar programs. Creating this safety allows us to engage with individuals who feel comfortable putting their name on op-eds/letters to the editor without fearing backlash. Messaging Training : We heard time after time how helpful messaging trainings were to folks who attended. In the future, we should strategize ways to get the training in front of more advocates and activists. Previous Next

Office of Civil Rights Complaints Know Your Rights Where to File When to File Complaint FAQ How to File - ACLU How to File - Legal Aid Investigation FAQ The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is the federal agency that enforces federal civil rights laws in schools and other educational institutions. ​ If a district abandons long-standing procedures for reviewing books, more than just political games are at stake. Families are in danger of having their civil rights violated. ​ The OCR investigates discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability. Check out these resources on how to file a complaint.

< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2023 press@campaignsharedfuture.org School Officials Pledge Not To Use Watered Down Books and Curriculum School board members and superintendents sign the “Let Students Learn” pledge, demonstrating their commitment to stand alongside educators and families in resisting political pressures WASHINGTON, DC - With the alarming rise of classroom censorship and its impact on what students learn, the Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is partnering with school officials across the country to release the " Let Students Learn " pledge. As many states push for restrictions on teaching the full and complete history of our country and discussing current events in classrooms, the need to safeguard freedom of expression and the free exchange of ideas has never been more crucial. By making this pledge , school board members and superintendents are publicly denouncing publishers and curriculum companies that compromise their products under the influence of political extremists. Moreover, they are pledging their unwavering support for educators and families who tirelessly strive to provide an environment where our children can thrive and achieve success. “Extremist politicians who seek to control our children's education and restrict certain ideas or perspectives are limiting the ability of our students to engage in independent thought and to form their own opinions,” said Heather Harding, Ed.D., Executive Director of COSF . “Our kids deserve an education that helps them learn the life skills and knowledge they'll need to be successful in their future and that includes the freedom to learn about a wide range of topics in an age-appropriate way. Our students should not be used as political pawns.” "Every child deserves the freedom to learn our rich and diverse history, to explore a tapestry of stories, and to embrace one another's unique experiences. We refuse to let the disruptive voices of political extremists impede the joyful, inclusive education our children deserve,” said Kelly Gonez, Member of the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education . "Our students thrive when families and educators collaborate to deliver exceptional, age-appropriate education and vital life skills. It is through this powerful partnership that we empower our students to excel academically, develop into well-rounded individuals, and pave their path towards a successful future,” said Arica Watkins Smith, Member of the Montgomery County Board of Education . As book ban attempts reached a record high last year, it has become increasingly important to ensure that students have access to high-quality education that is free from political interference. This pledge addresses this issue and highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of K-12 education. To view a copy of the curriculum pledge, click here . ### 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