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Advocacy Toolkit

“Your communications with legislators amplify the work of CABE staff. Policymakers are making decisions about issues that impact every district. If you don’t make the case, your voice won’t be heard.”

-Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel, CABE

CABE is committed to helping board of education members advocate for their schools and districts, as well as the broader statewide funding and policy issues in public K-12 education. 

We are working to expand our toolkit of resources that we provide our members to promote effective advocacy. We will update this page with additional advocacy tools as they become available.

Tips for Effective Lobbying

  • Research your members of the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) – which committees are they on, were they on their board of education or council
  • Develop Relationships – establish them before you need them
  • Invite your members of the CGA to a board meeting – they don’t all serve on the Education Committee so you are a valuable resource
  • Set your priorities – just mention a couple of issues
  • Lobby with your real life experiences – tell them how a state program is being implemented in your district
  • Don’t overdo your lobbying – short and sweet
  • Shore up lobbying allies – if you know there are other districts with a similar issue it can be persuasive
  • Don’t forget the media – when appropriate they can further an issue, but be prepared with facts
  • Always be positive – the issue may be a problem but the person doesn’t have to be
  • Everyone likes a pat on the back – give thanks for support!

Additional Resources from the Connecticut General Assembly