• How to Start and Grow a Think Tank
• Grassroots Leadership Guide to K-12 Education Reform
  • Prologue
  • Decide What Type of Organization You Want to Become
  • Building and Maintaining an Effective Board
  • Get Things Up and Running
  • Legal Reference Material
  • Organize Your Staff and Volunteers
  • Examples of Programs and Operational Materials
  • Building Coalitions
    • Overview
    • Local Credibility, Local Connections
    • Creating Local Networks: The Power Behind the Virginia Coalition Meeting
  • Getting Your Message Out/Media Relations
  • Talking with Legislators
  • Raising Money
  • History of School Choice
  • Education Reform Research and Resources
  • Resources
• Taking Donors Seriously
• Fundraising Fundamentals

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Overview

by Elizabeth Moser, Alliance for School Choice

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~Margaret Mead

Finding like-minded individuals and others who are stakeholders in your battle for school choice is essential to its success; from the initial idea stages to legally defending a program that has passed and expanding the program in the future.

Simply said: It can't be done alone. Build your network early and keep those contacts active and engaged.

1. Read Voices, Choices and Second Chances by Virginia Walden Ford, the best grassroots guide on how to build a coalition and fight for your cause. For a copy please email lmoser@allianceforschoolchoice.org.
   
   
2. Consider timing first - only engage your allies when you are ready to move forward; if you engage them too early, you could lose momentum, or lose them all together.
   
   
3. Identify an "air traffic controller" for your cause - someone to keep track of all the information/people and serve as a resource. This person may change over time.
   
   
4. Make a list of key stakeholders who may be interested in school choice, it should include a broad list of constituencies. Only leave out those who are vehemently opposed. However, don't presume someone will jump on the bandwagon automatically.
   
   
5. Common allies for school choice: PARENTS!, school organizations, community groups, recreational groups, business leaders, and political contacts. More specifically these include (not exhaustive): private school associations, scholarship orgs, charter schools, religious organizations and institutions, local civic associations (i.e. Rotary), community service groups, local chapters of national organizations, parent clubs/orgs (NOT PTA!), Boys & Girls Clubs and the like, neighborhood associations, city and county officials, legislators, public officials, and U.S. members of Congress.
   
   
6. Meet with each person or group personally, address any concerns, be prepared to answer questions and doubts, and provide them with information and further resources. Once you know they are supportive: Give them something to do!
   
   
7. Find a few key advocates in each of the communities: Parent, School, Community, Recreational and Political. One good advocate can mobilize an entire community.
   
   
8. Create a coalition of 10-20 key people from these communities and host regular meetings to discuss ideas, proposals, events, and - most importantly - next steps.
   
   
9. Engage your group of supporters often - ask them to respond to newspaper articles, call their legislators, talk to other parents and community leaders and others they know. Enlist their help on events, PR, and self-contained projects.
   
   
10. Host meetings in key local areas to meet with these groups once there is a proposal to promote. Also host informational meetings for parents. Always gather contact information at these meetings and keep a central list of activists you've encountered; you will need this list to coordinate events, impromptu rallies, and lobbying.
    
    
11. Offer training to key parent advocates you identify to provide them with the myths debunked and resources they need to effectively advocate for choice, talking points, how to write a letter to the editor, etc. Keep in touch with them often.
    
    
12. No matter what, don't assume the battle is over and the coalition should be disbanded when legislation passes, that is often only the beginning of the battle! Keep in touch and hold regular coalition meetings as needed. You will need your army to defend and expand the programs you pass.

Elizabeth Moser is director of outreach and training at the Alliance for School Choice.