Eight Ways You Can Get Involved

Helping Schools

1. Connect with a Local Education Foundation. There are local education foundations for almost every school system in Alabama. Some of these foundations are operated by the school system itself; most are independent foundations. Some of the larger foundations have full-time or part-time executive directors; others are operated by volunteers. You can get involved by helping your foundation become more focused on raising funds and in investing those funds in ways that have a measurable impact on student achievement.
2. Provide training and/or supplies. Does your organization have leadership training or other relevant topics materials that could be used by schools (or could be easily adapted for use by schools)? Particularly during tight financial times like these, schools can benefit from outside training and materials.
3. Become a "Hands-on Learner." Find a local elementary school nearby and get involved. Observe a class (or better yet, offer to speak to a class!) Tutor a student or shadow a principal. Discover what that school is really like, and find ways that you can help!
4. Spread the word. Encourage organizations in which you are involved to focus on education by inviting a variety of local, state and regional speakers.

Policymaking

4. Access information. Subscribe to the A+ Bi-Weekly Report , which is sent by email every two weeks and will keep you informed of major education developments in Alabama. Keep up-to-date on regional and national trends by subscribing to other education newsletters by email:
   • Education Commission of the States (ECS) e-Clips gives you the day's top education news, as well as a link to EDUCATION WEEK's extensive daily news roundup. To sign up, email your name, title, organization and e-mail address to e-clips@ecs.org
   • The Public Education Network publishes a weekly education newsletter. To subscribe, log-on to: http://204.212.137.170/signup.asp
   • The Education Gadfly is published weekly by the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation. If you would like to subscribe, send an e-mail to majordomo@edexcellence.net and write "subscribe gadfly" in the text of the message.)
5. Attend local school board meetings. Learn about the systems budget and priorities. Ask questions.
6. Blunt the role of special interests by "adopting a policymaker." Get to know a local school board member, state legislator or senator. Communicate regularly with them about education issues. Hold them accountable for their votes.
7. Become a policymaker. Consider running for (or seeking appointment to) a local board of education and/or recruit and support independent, responsible candidates who will put the interests of students first.