HOW TO BE AN EVERYDAY ADVOCATE

And How You Can Get Involved!

ISN’T IT EASY? JUST PICK A GROUP? GET INVOLVED.

This isn’t even all the education groups working statewide or locally. This is just a fraction of what’s out there.

BUT HOW DOES A PERSON LIKE ME GET INVOLVED?

I’ve named the plant Fern. I’m afraid we don’t have a lot in common, but their company is quiet.

ADVOCACY! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

It means you speak up on behalf of others or yourself. It can be local, statewide, or national. It can be pollical getting a candidate elected, speaking up on issues, getting a bill passed, or helping to provide needed services to others.

#1 SHOW UP EXACTLY AS YOU ARE

Be comfortable with yourself. Dress and appear as you like but most of all what makes you feel comfortable. If you’re loud, that’s you. If you’re quiet that’s fine too. You can be a storyteller or data whiz. Be you.

#2 KNOWLEDGE IS KEY

• Find out all you can on the subject. From offered in person/hybrid trainings (wait you’re all ready here…) to books in the library to key people who’ve walked the walk already.

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• *PODCASTS!!! Shameless plug! I love a good podcast. So much I started one.

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#3 JOIN OTHERS

• No need to reinvent the wheel when so many groups are out there. You don’t have to join one for life. Just follow and join in on activities that you feel fit you. Subscribe to a newsletter or just follow on socials.

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#4 TRY IT, YOU MIGHT LIKE IT

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• Its OK to give something a whirl at least once. You can decide, “I’m never doing that again” at any point.

#5 STEP AWAY FROM GROUPS OR ACTIVITIES THAT JUST AREN’T RIGHT FOR YOU

• This might seem like a strange thing to say out loud. However, there can be lots of pressure to do things like phone banking or canvassing and those might not fit you. Its OK to say no. You’re not destroying democracy by knowing your strengths as well as your weaknesses.

SO, WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE IN REALITY?

POSTCARDS: THE GATEWAY DRUG OF ADVOCACY

• Lots of people can debate whether postcarding is effective or not. However, I do think sending a postcard to our state representatives is an easy way to jump into advocacy.
• I also like that it can be a group activity, or it can be something done alone over a set period of time.
• It’s not for everyone (hello dysgraphia friends!) but it is an easy entry point for many

VOTER OUTREACH

Canvassing

You can do this in a massive group where you can just go along for the ride and listen

You can be the driver

You can ask for a turf and do it intermittently on your own

While usually partisan, sometimes issue based canvassing is done too

Phone Banking

Many phone banks are virtual

Allows you to ‘work from home’

Scripted

Poll Greeting

Can be more challenging depending on area

Good way to localize your advocacy

DIRECT ADVOCACY TO ELECTED OFFICIALS

• Local elected officials are easier to contact and get in touch with
• Can be done over coffee and very informal and with friends
• Can go to a meet and greet just to get your face out there.
• Email, phone call, or any communication type is valid.

• Can be a formal meeting at the North Carolina General Assembly
• Some officials are open to virtual meetings ask their legislative assistant
• You can go to Advocacy Days with groups.
• Have a concrete ask or bill number

PUBLIC COMMENT

• School Board
• County Commission
• Town/city council (not really for education related issues)
• Committee Meetings for General Assembly
• Press Conference

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• Yes you’re on camera
• Its ok to shake!
• Know the rules (most have time limits)
• Practice
• If you need to write down every word, its OK

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WRITING OPEDS, LTES, AND ONLINE PIECES

• LTEs are a bit easier, but very limited word count
• OP Eds are longer but harder to get published.
• You can always contribute to a blog, or put something out into social media
• TikToks and Reels also work well in younger spaces.

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• Know your audience
• Be prepared for a fact checker
• I always put everything I want out on a page and then scale it down to fit a word count restriction
• Some papers don’t even tell you, they’ve published, so keep an eye out.
• SHARE EVERYWHERE

SHOW UP TO A MARCH, RALLY, OR DAY OF ACTION

• There is value in showing up. A crowd is people power
• Bring with your personal accommodations. Ear plugs are handy
• Have a plan for parking or get a ride to reduce anxiety
• Know your limit. No one says you have to stay the entire time.

• Even if you’re not speaking, we always need sign holders
• Have a plan for after the event
• Being tired from just being in a crowd is totally OK. Take a nap. Eat some comfort food.

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ADVOCACY IS STORYTELLING

• Remember it is your story. You control the narrative. You control how deep you want to get. Its ok to hold back. Just be honest and true to yourself during the process.

SUSAN BOOK

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• Follow Save Our Schools NC
• Follow Every Child NC
• Email: saveourschoolsnc@gmail.com
• Twitter: @SaveRSchoolsNC
• Instagram: saveourschoolsnc
• www.saveourschoolsnc.org
• Twitter (X) @susan_book
• BlueSky @sbook.bsky.social
• TikTok  @susanbook504
• www.therewillbepoop.com

PODCAST! ADVOCACY BITES!��

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