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Outreach to Your Legislator: Ideas for Every Season

Besides staying up-to-date on the latest happening in Sacramento and responding to our calls to action, it is equally important to build strong relationships with your local representatives.

Keeping policy-makers engaged throughout the year not only shows them the wonderful successes at your school, but makes them aware of the challenges charter schools face. Being in touch with your legislator and his or her staff helps to build an important relationship and sends a clear message that he or she should support your school, the charter school movement and education reform.

Here are some suggestions to help you and your school and supporters engage with your elected officials throughout the year.

Year Round - Add your legislator to your school mailing list for newsletters and eNewsletters, follow your legislators on social media like Facebook, and send any event announcements, press releases or major accomplishments to their local district offices. Please also add communications@calcharters.org to your distribution list so we can amplify your successes and share them with a larger audience.

September - Invite your legislator to the ribbon cutting ceremony for new schools, or for "Back-to-School" celebrations for existing schools.

October - Invite your legislator to speak at your school.

November - Invite your legislator to make a presentation to civics classes or student government meetings.

December - Invite your legislator to your school's canned food drive or other service projects.

January - Invite your legislator to the school's winter festivities.

February - Invite your legislator to speak to your school's parent association. Invite your legislator to serve as "Principal for a Day."

March - Invite your legislator to the school's "Open House."

April - Invite your legislator to read to students during National Reading Week.

May - Invite your legislator to a celebration at your school for National Charter Schools Week. You can also join charter school leaders and families from across the state for the California Charter Schools Association's Annual Advocacy Day.

June - Invite your legislator to speak at your school's end-of-the-year ceremonies/celebrations/graduations.

July - Visit your legislator in their district office.

August - Organize a group of students for a summer field trip to the State Capitol.

More Resources

• Find your elected representative.
• How a bill becomes a law
• Tips for an Effective Meeting with your Legislator
• Visit the Training section of our web site.