Contact your Legislator. Here's a quick and easy format.

Guidelines for writing your legislator.

With the increasing concerns regarding standardized testing, funding issues, teacher evaluation, and charter school reform, a great grassroots movement has begun. This movement combines the efforts of those of us in education with an increasingly spirited, well informed, and outspoken coalition of parents and other community members. A key component to exacting positive change in all of these issues is in maintaining communication with those who write and pass the laws, your legislators. If you're interested in contacting legislators, but weren't sure where to begin, then follow these simple guidelines.

1) Always include your full name and address, as well as your phone number and email address.

If you're communicating through the legislator’s website, this is required, but if you're writing or otherwise communicating you'll need to include this information. Politicians receive lots of correspondence, so their focus will be on individuals that they represent directly. However, many of them will read and respond regardless of geography, so I would argue that contacting ALL legislators is still a good idea. 

2) Greet the legislator with respect, and quickly summarize your concern.

For example… “Senator Manning, I am writing you today with concerns about the increased time spent on Standardized Testing in Ohio’s schools.” There is no need to butter them up with accolades… “Honorable Senator so and so” or “The Great and Powerful John Kasich”, nor should you be too familiar or insulting… “Dearest John, you ignorant son of a...”

3) Explain yourself using detailed facts or a personalized connection wherever possible.

For example… “Students in Ohio are spending 2-3 times more time on testing this year when compared to last.” or “I would like to share with you what happens to my students/children when faced with these assessments.” The well being of their constituents, especially children, should be very important to every legislator, so a personalized illustration of the issues facing education is a very effective device. We may not recall statistics, but stories can be very powerful.

AVOID accusations, insults (however mild), and threats. They know we know their voting record on legislation. They know we can vote them out of office. We are angry at the current educational system. Our anger moves us forward. However, I believe that a legislator is more likely to take you seriously if you take a more measured approach. Step back, take a breath, and rationally express your concerns, and possible solutions if you have them.

4) Conclude by thanking them for their time, and that you look forward to hearing their thoughts on the issue.

Don't get discouraged by an automated response, or no response at all. A personal response takes time, and often multiple attempts at contact. Don't be afraid to write again. While it takes a bit of time, it is the best way to maintain pressure on our legislators and keep our concerns at the forefront of their minds.