28 ways you can make a difference for public education

As an educational support professional, you can play an important role in promoting public education. Below are proven steps you can take.

Get the message out

Explain to friends and the community what the local, state or national organization is supporting and why.
Put up billboards for education.
Sponsor community events.
Strengthen coalitions with other unions.
Use students as guides for school tours.
Support alumni associations.
Spotlight individuals who have made a difference.
Distribute a district newsletter to every household.
Hand out pamphlets in malls, explaining what ESPs do.
Donate to charitable organizations.
Bus drivers, show your training video to parents at community organization meetings to develop confidence in the drivers and other ESPs.
Publicize the training, staffing requirements and annual testing for building/grounds, maintenance and security professionals.
Inform the community of the work you do and its value to them.
Speak to graduating classes at high schools and community colleges about the duties and responsibilities of ESPs.
On April Fools Day, have staff switch jobs. Principals and teachers will learn what ESPs do.

Be involved in the whole education community

Serve on committees such as school enrichment and site-based decision making, and at PTO/PTA meetings.
Build relationships with teachers, principals, higher education members and other ESPs.
Support public education issues.
Be politically active on behalf of public education.
Invite politicians to visit the schools to see the impact of their laws.
Sponsor a joint teacher/ESP retirement and awards dinner; invite politicians.
Attend school board meetings and raise awareness of ESP issues.
Research outside contractors and let legislators and school board know the negatives, e.g., Laidlaw's safety record.
Invite school board members to lunch in the cafeteria or to sit in a classroom or on a school bus.
Use public town meetings to educate the public about ESP work.
Inform members about legislative initiatives affecting them.
Participate in lobby days at the state level.
Get members involved to support school funding reform.