Parent Power!
Helping You Make Sense of Schooling Today

Published Monthly by
The Center for Education Reform
Jeanne Allen, President

Please contact us to share a unique experience as a parent educating your child or to comment about the contents of this newsletter.

parentpower@edreform.com

Whether you already have a coalition, or are an individual who would like to work to change the climate of education in your community, there are simple things you can do to gain support and awareness for solid education reforms. 

Find Out Who is Doing What in Your Community

          Americans are united in their commitment to education. Find out which like-minded groups or individuals are active in your community, so that you can build on their work rather than try to reinvent the wheel. Find out what local organizations, including veterans' groups, ethnic organizations, professional societies, civic associations and church groups, may be interested in building an alliance with you or may already be involved in a coalition. Approach these groups to find out what initiatives are being considered or supported in your community, and what new ideas might gain support.
          In addition to groups devoted to a variety of issues, a number of specifically education-oriented groups exist in each community; some may even narrow their focus further, to look only at specific areas, such as curriculum, special education, testing or financial issues.

What to Do Once You've Established Contact

          You will need to decide whether you want to try to work through existing organizations you've identified, or whether your reform goals would be better served by establishing an independent organization under your control and direction. Obviously, depending on the scope of your mission, you will have more flexibility and control by establishing your own organization. However, such a commitment should not be taken lightly. Education reform is not a short-term project, and you will need to commit a great deal of time, energy and dedication to achieve success. Sloppy, rushed or half-hearted efforts could hurt your issues more than help them. The process is simple, but not easy. If you decide to take the plunge, a methodical and enthusiastic approach will yield results.

Build Your Organization

          Once you have decided to take the plunge, assemble lists of names, addresses, and phone numbers of local activists and potential donors who might be friendly to your cause. Your research on other community groups should have given you an introduction to some of the community's most respected and influential members, starting with the leaders of those groups. Scan every sector of your community for individuals who are active, resourceful and interested in the welfare of the community. For example, the Holiday Observers of Allendale, New Jersey, have for years put on public events for the town to celebrate each holiday; the Observers change from year to year and are usually proactive business leaders who have the time and resources to devote to these events. Get plugged into these groups. Don't overlook groups just because their focus seems social, professional, ethnic or religious. Such groups are filled with talented, involved people eager to have a stake in the well being of their community. You should always be updating this core list of individuals, no matter how established you have become.

(From The School Reform Handbook, How to Improve Your Schools (1995). There's much advice available for the interested activist. Contact us if we can help you.)