Take Action
Meaningful change begins with someone who cares enough to take the next step. Explore practical ways to turn your knowledge into action and help shape the decisions that affect your community.
Develop A Message About Your Issue
Developing a message is key in communicating to the community and legislators. The message should be clear about what your issue is, who it affects, and the desired outcome. Here is a framework of how to organize your thoughts about an issue and why it is so important.
Meet With Your Elected Officials
Meeting with your elected officials is one of the most effective ways to influence policy. Face-to-face meetings are powerful statements that emphasize the importance of your issue. Here are a few things to consider when preparing to meet with your elected officials.
Write An Op-Ed Or LTE
Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor are easy and effective ways to voice your views and to advocate specific policy solutions. Op-Eds or LTEs can reach a large audience and persuade readers to agree on an issue and even feel inclined to take action themselves.
Write Your Representatives
Writing to an elected official is a practical way to bring attention to an issue you care about. A clear, personal letter can explain how a policy affects your community and what action you’d like your representatives to take. Use these tips to make your message focused, informed, and constructive.
Engage With Your School Board
School boards shape decisions that affect students, families, and your entire community. Attending meetings, asking thoughtful questions, and sharing your perspective can help you contribute to local education decisions. Explore practical ways to get involved.