September 06, 2008
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Your Advocacy Action Plan


This action plan is designed to help you with your advocacy actions for public education in 2008. As we gear up for a Presidential election, conversations in Washington about key education issues have begun to slow down. We need your help to urge Congress to take action on key issues in the resources below.

Upcoming Events!
NSBA planned a number of events throughout the summer to help you with your advocacy action plan. Mark your calendars for the upcoming dates...

  • Congress is in recess now!  Your members of Congress are in their districts from August 4 - September 5.  Remember to schedule meetings with them.  Check out the tips for planning your meeting and learn how to involve the local media.
  • September 10 - Back to School Call-in Day!  Mark your calendars to remember to "meet" with your members of Congress via telephone on September 10.  View more details.

Resources

  • A Message from NSBA President, Barbara Bolas, and NSBA Executive Director, Anne Bryant html type content icon [HTML 3,460kb]
    Your school district has some important issues that require Congress's attention. This toolkit provides resources for shaping your message to your members of Congress and an action plan to help you follow-up over the next few months.
  • Your Action Plan html type content icon [HTML 3,164kb]
    Timeline and details about your advocacy actions over the coming months.
  • Special Issues - Secure Rural Schools and School Construction link type content icon
    The Senate is scheduled to consider a second supplemental appropriations bill in September, which includes funding for Secure Rural Schools and School Construction.
  • Education Funding - NEW Information (6/9/08) link type content icon
    Congress has taken new actions on funding for FY 2009. Learn about the issue and view talking points. You may also send an email to your members of Congress.
  • No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) - NEW Information (6/19/08) link type content icon
    Local school board members must continue to keep the pressure on Congress to fix NCLB. Learn about the issue and what you can do to act now! You may also view talking points and send an email to your members of Congress.
  • Medicaid Reimbursement - NEW Information (6/30/08) link type content icon
    Many school districts rely on Medicaid reimbursements for services to low-income children with disabilities. Learn more about the issue, review talking points, and send an email to your members of Congress.
  • E-Rate Program (School Technology) link type content icon
    The E-Rate Program helps rural and low-income schools provide internet access and other services. Learn about what Congress needs to do to ensure the program continues, view talking points, and send an email to your members of Congress
  • D.C. Voucher Program link type content icon
    Federally funded voucher programs concern public schools across the country. Read more about the issue, view talking points, and send your members of Congress an email.
  • Tips for August Recess Meetings html type content icon [HTML 1,718kb]
    The August recess gives members of Congress the chance to spend time in their districts/states for several weeks. Please plan to take advantage of this opportunity and invite your member to an event or schedule a special meeting with your member.
  • Create a Larger Impact: Involve Local Media html type content icon [HTML 2,639kb]
    The media can help shape public opinion and can be one of the most influential advocacy tools. When seeking effective media strategies, here are a few things to keep in mind.
  • Your Advocacy Action Plan - Complete Toolkit pdf type content icon [PDF 435,436kb]
    Download a copy of the print toolkit. Please remember to check the website for updates on each of the issues.