Teachers in your community need to hear that faith communities support their efforts to advocate on behalf of the children whom they serve.
NOW! We ask you to do these things in coming days:
- WRITE to teachers whom you already know. Consider emailing public school teachers who worship in your congregation, or who teach your own children or grandchildren and tell them: “There is a Day of Advocacy for Public Education in Raleigh on May 16. I want you to know that I support this. I hope you will feel free to be in Raleigh on that day, advocating for your students. Thank you for all that you do. Know that our church is going to be looking for ways to support this effort.”
- ASK your congregation to write teachers whom they already know. You may choose to communicate with parents in your congregation, or with a missions committee or a deacon group. But please help your congregation to begin affirming this opportunity for advocacy so that teachers feel empowered and supported. Ask the parents in your church to reach out to neighbors and friends in the PTA so that our teachers will hear affirmation from many encouraging parents.
- WRITE AN OP-ED affirming this day of advocacy. When you do, send a copy to the Council of Churches, info@ncchurches.org.
- SIGN-UP to attend the Advocacy Day in support of Public Education. Sign up HERE.
- PRAY! Spend time praying for this event individually and in community. Pray for all who are considering participating. Pray for the teachers and students who gather in classrooms every day. Pray for leaders who will be making decisions. Pray for efforts to support the advocacy of teachers in your own community. Pray for guidance and inspiration of the Spirit!
LATER! We ask you to do these things as May 16 draws near:
- MAKE SIGNS: Hold a sign-making event. Provide poster-board, markers, glue sticks, and suggested messages.
- WRITE LETTERS:
- Hold a letter-writing event where individuals write letters to your legislators stating that your church affirms this Day of Advocacy for Public Education and supports efforts to fully fund our public schools. Provide talking points.
- Ask your church and other churches in your community to send letters to your legislators from the Board of Deacons or Governing Board affirming this Day of Advocacy and affirming increases in funding for public schools.
Please consider these resources and these graphics and suggested messages as you prepare your plans for advocacy.