Five Helpful Tips for Advocacy at the Capitol.

Advocacy Day at the Capitol is a great opportunity to make your voice heard to help drive meaningful change in Missouri. Whether you are a seasoned advocate or new to advocacy, knowing these five tips will help you to be a more effective advocate for Missouri K-12 students.  

TIP #1: Craft Your Story 

Your personal story is your most powerful tool for advocacy. Sharing your own experiences and perspectives puts a human face on the issues and helps legislators understand the real impact of the laws they pass. Take the time to carefully write and edit your story to make it clear and compelling.

The CEAM Team can help you craft your story when you meet one on one or attend a CEAM advocacy training session. 

TIP #2: Know Your Advocacy Talking Points

In addition to your personal story, being prepared with key talking points is important for delivering a clear and convincing message. Get familiar with the  facts about school choice and rehearse them to be ready when speaking with legislators.

TIP #3: Schedule Appointments 

Planning is key to make sure your voice is heard. Call ahead to schedule appointments with your elected officials. Even if you end up meeting with their staff initially, securing that time ensures your message receives the attention it deserves. 

Not sure who your legislators are? Use this “find my legislator” tool from the Missouri Senate.

TIP #4:  Be Assertive, Not Aggressive 

Effective advocacy requires the right balance between assertiveness and courtesy. While it’s important to convey your message with conviction, doing so in a respectful and non-confrontational way fosters constructive dialogue and increases the chances that your message will get through.

TIP #5: Know Your Call to Action 

Before meeting with legislators, be clear about what you’re advocating for and what you need from them. Whether it’s changes to existing K-12 laws or support for new legislation, knowing your call to action enables you to finish each conversation with a clear statement of what it is you are asking the legislator to do.

Bonus Tip: 

Wear Sensible Shoes! Last but not least, do not underestimate the importance of comfortable footwear. Advocacy Day often involves a lot of walking in the Capitol, so wearing walking shoes will keep you comfortable and focused on making a difference.

These five tips will help you to navigate Advocacy Day at the Capitol with confidence and effectiveness. 

As we prepare for  Advocacy Day at the Capitol, it’s crucial to remember that every voice matters. CEAM (Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri) is at the forefront of advocating for Missouri students to access a better education, but we can’t do it alone. Missouri kids need your voices at the Capitol to  ensure a brighter future for all.

Join us on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, as we come together to advocate for quality education for every child in Missouri. RSVP now and be a part of the movement to make a difference in the lives of our students. Together, we can build a stronger and more equitable education system for all. See you at the Capitol, and don’t forget to wear shoes fit for a marathon! 

These tips are from the March 6 Facebook LIVE with Lisa and Samoy. Join them at the beginning of each month for their Parent Takeover on Facebook!