Ways to advocate for public education this legislative session
As we head into a new legislative session and an election year, it is vitally important that elected officials hear from educators about the issues that are important to them. Educators are the most effective advocates for public schools! Whether you have five minutes or five hours, there are plenty of ways to engage with your elected officials this legislative session:
Read the Capitol Connection newsletter
Capitol Connection, a weekly newsletter sent during the legislative session, keeps members up to date on what’s happening at the Legislature. Capitol Connection summarizes each week’s education-related legislative activity and provides information about upcoming proposals and issues. Capitol Connection also provides members with information about hearings and activities that members can get involved with at the Legislature. If you are a member and you are not receiving Capitol Connection during session, please contact webmaster@edmn.org and put Capitol Connection in the subject line.
Attend rallies and take actions
Throughout the legislative session, Education Minnesota and ally organizations will plan rallies to mobilize members on important education policies. We also keep the advocacy section of the website up to date with ways to contact your elected officials about education policies. Attend a rally, sign a petition, send emails or make phone calls to lawmakers about the issues that are important to you. Follow our social media pages and check out the “Take Action” section of our website to learn more about ways you can get involved: educationminnesota.org/advocacy/at-the-legislature/#take-action.
Talk with Lawmakers at a Lobby Day
As educators, we know the importance of building relationships, and lobby days provide the perfect opportunity to build relationships with your lawmakers. Grab some members of your local and schedule a lobby day to share your stories and talk with your elected officials about the issues that are most important to your students, school and community. Lobby days can be scheduled through union or IO leadership and Education Minnesota staff.
Attend an in-district meeting
Legislators often schedule constituent meetings in their districts. Check out their schedule and attend a district meeting, if they have one scheduled. You can also invite them to visit your district, school or classroom so that they can see and hear firsthand what is happening in our public schools. The more we can make our experiences and stories real to them, the more likely lawmakers are to prioritize public education issues. You can reach out to your Education Minnesota field staff if you want to schedule a formal meeting with your elected officials.
Advocate for your students and colleagues by testifying at a hearing
Proposed legislation is thoroughly discussed in committee hearings before it makes its way to the House or Senate floor. Committees also provide time during hearings to seek public input on bills, which gives educators an opportunity to share their story and how proposed bills will impact their communities and classrooms. If you are interested in testifying on a proposed piece of legislation, reach out to the Education Minnesota lobby team at lobbyteam@edmn.org. Unsure of what to say? No problem! Lobby team staff will work with you and help you prepare remarks.
Our union’s biggest strength is that we have the power to raise our voices collectively and push for change. When each one of us gets involved in advocacy for our students, colleagues and communities, we can push major changes to pay, pensions and health care and create the public schools our students deserve.
