FIVE Ways CEAM Advocacy Training Empowers Parents to Create Change in K-12 Education

The advocacy training provided by the Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri (CEAM) equips parents with the skills and knowledge necessary to be effective advocates for K-12 school options in Missouri. Beyond advocating for better access to education for all Missouri kids, parent advocates also learn about the current system and how to advocate for their own children.

Over the next few weeks, people interested in becoming school choice advocates will be able to attend in-person sessions in Kansas City and St. Louis as well as a statewide virtual training in January. 

Here are five ways that CEAM Advocacy Training helps parents and others become better advocates:

1. Understanding the Missouri K-12 Landscape

Overview of Options: CEAM educates parents about Missouri school choice options, including charter schools, virtual school (MOCAP), K-12 scholarships (MOScholars), and homeschooling. This foundational knowledge helps parents navigate the system themselves and gives them the overview perspective they need when talking to others.

Policy Insights: The training includes discussions on current legislation affecting school choice in Missouri and nationally, enabling parents to understand the laws that govern K-12 education and how those laws impact their options.

2. Building Communication & Advocacy Skills

Effective Communication: CEAM provides training on how to communicate effectively with school officials, policymakers, and the community. At the heart of effective advocacy communication is the “Story of Self” that all advocates must be able to effectively tell to elected leaders. Effective communications also includes crafting messages that resonate and utilizing persuasive arguments to support equal access to education.

Public Speaking: Parents receive guidance on public speaking, helping them articulate their story in committee hearings, public forums, school board meetings, and community events. Overcoming the fear of public speaking helps advocates take their message to the next level when they are able to confidently speak before groups. 

3. Fostering Community Engagement

Networking Opportunities: CEAM encourages parents to connect with other advocates and organizations. Building a supportive community can amplify advocate efforts and provide resources for ongoing advocacy.

Coalition Building: CEAM training emphasizes the importance of forming coalitions with like-minded individuals and groups to strengthen advocacy efforts and create a unified voice for school choice.

4. Resources and Tools

Resource Provision: CEAM offers a range of resources, including advocacy toolkits for individuals and schools, fact sheets, and templates for letters or testimonies, making it easier for parents to engage in advocacy.

Specialized Training Workshops: Workshops and webinars are designed to develop specific advocacy skills, such as telling your story, utilizing social media, and understanding how laws are made. By understanding the law-making process, advocates are better positioned to understand when and how they can be most effective with their advocacy.

5. Empowering Parents

Confidence Building: By equipping parents with knowledge and skills, CEAM helps build their confidence to engage in advocacy actively. Empowered parents are more likely to take initiative and speak out for their children’s educational needs.

Understanding Rights: Parents learn about their rights and the rights of their children in the education system, helping them navigate challenges and advocate effectively for necessary changes.

Upcoming Advocacy Training Sessions:

You can become an advocate, too! Here are some upcoming training sessions. Use the links to RSVP and find out more details.

St. Louis – IN PERSON training: Power of Story.  Saturday, October 19 at Noon

Kansas City – IN PERSON training: Power of Story.  Thursday, October 24 at 6:00 p.m. 

St. Louis – IN PERSON training: Using Your Story for Change. Saturday, November 2 at Noon

Kansas City – IN PERSON training: Using Your Story for Change.  Thursday, November 7 at 6:00 p.m.