Effective Advocacy Tips

The foundation of successful advocacy is knowledge of the legislative process. Advocates need to focus their energy on the people making the important decisions when they are being made. School board members serve important roles in both ensuring passage of bills that are favorable to public schools and in defeating bills that work to the detriment of the public school system.

A toolkit is available for school board members to use during the 2009-10 legislative session to effectively advocate. Download a copy or contact the WASB at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 1-877-705-4422 for a free copy. More resources for the 2009-10 legislative session are available on the State Issues and Federal Issues pages.

2009-10 Effective Legislative Advocacy:
A Toolkit for School Board Members (364.28 KB)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why Advocacy is Important.pdf (43.90 KB)

How the WASB Can Help.pdf (58.88 KB)

Communicate Effectively.pdf (81.23 KB)

• Prooductive Legislative Meetings.pdf (61.46 KB)
• Calling Legislators.pdf (53.40 KB)
• Writing to Legislators.pdf (55.35 KB)
• Legislative Forum Guide.pdf (55.38 KB)

Work with the Media.pdf (68.21 KB)

• Writing a Press Release.pdf (55.10 KB)
• Writing a Letter to the Editor or Opinion Editorial.pdf (57.49 KB)

Build Grassroots Support.pdf (48.82 KB)

Understand the Legislative Process.pdf (79.99 KB)

• Biennial State Budget Process.pdf (56.44 KB)
• Testifying at Public Hearings.pdf (57.21 KB)

Contact Information.pdf (64.12 KB)

• State Senate.pdf (47.49 KB)
• State Assembly.pdf (53.75 KB)
• U.S. Congress.pdf (50.56 KB)