This document provides guidance on grassroots advocacy for issues affecting English language educators. It outlines key steps including educating others about issues, organizing around goals, and activating networks to advocate. Specific advocacy tactics are recommended such as meeting with decision makers, writing personalized letters, following up, and building long-term relationships. The document also reviews legislative processes and using various communication channels such as media, email lists, and websites to strengthen advocacy efforts.

1. Dynamic Grassroots AdvocacyJohn SegotaDirector of Advocacy and Professional RelationsTeachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc.Alexandria, VA1

2. Strengthen Your VoiceEducateOrganize Advocate2

3. Guiding QuestionsWhat?IssuesGoalsRulesWho?Decision MakersAlliesColleaguesHow?CommunicationTestimonyMeetingsWhen?TimelinesDeadlines3

4. IssuesWhat are the issues at your place of work?What are the issues in your community?What is happening at the state level that might affect your program?What is happening federally that may affect your program?4

5. EducateWhat are the issues? What are the specific details of the issues?Who will you be dealing with? Decision makers? An agencyHow do you interact with them?Who do you need to educate on the issues?How will you educate them?5

6. Educate – How?Articles in NewslettersPresentationsMailingsAction AlertsPosition StatementsE-mail listsLetters to the editor Community newspapersPTA MeetingsSchool board meetings6

7. OrganizeIdentify the issuesAnalyze it – break it down! What are the specific causes?Identify possible goalsWhat do you want to accomplish?What is the process to reach the goal?Develop a plan of action7

8. OrganizeYour NetworkWho?Affiliate? Committee? Organization? Colleagues? Coalition?How?Membership lists, interest groups, e-mail listsDistricts, key contactsAlliesOther organizations“Champions”8

9. ActivateMessages to key decision makersPhone callsFaxesMeetingsTestimonySpeechesMailingsPress ReleasesPosition StatementsPress ConferencesMedia outreach9

10. Using the MediaLetters to the editorPress releasesEventsStatements / positionsGet to know key reportersTie your story ideas to broader issuesKnow the right way to reach the media10

11. Decision Makers/LeadersWho makes the decisions that affect your classroom?Who makes the decisions that affect your school/district?Who makes the decisions that affect your institution?11

12. Legislative ProcessIntroductionReferral to CommitteeHearings and MarkupCommittee ActionFloor ConsiderationReferral to other chamber Conference CommitteePresident’s signature12

13. Communicating with CongressMost effectiveMeetingsPersonal messages*FaxesE-mail / web formsPhone callsDistrict officeWashington officeLess effectiveMass mailingsForm lettersPostal mailPostcardsPetitions13

14. Letter-writing to CongressIdentify yourself as a constituent.Address the legislator appropriately.Be polite.Identify the issue – one per letter.Provide background and facts.Personalize the issue!Be specific about what you want your legislator to do.Offer to discuss the issue further.Request a response.14

15. Follow-up your letterDouble-decker approach: make a phone call, especially if you have not received a reply.If your legislator makes an action that reflects your position, thank them.Offer to provide additional information.Send copies of correspondence to TESOL.15

16. Tips for a campaignStrike early and oftenIdentify allies. Establish and nurture relationships with them. Identify them to their colleagues.Go for quantity and quality (i.e. personal messages.)Have follow-up communication.16

17. Meeting with CongressBe prepared – do your homework.Establish a common denominatorBe concise, specific, clear, and reasonable.Humanize the issueProvide written materials.“Close the sale.”Follow up promptly. Let TESOL know!17

18. Building RelationshipsGet to know the staff in their offices.Find common denominators.Arrange a reception or luncheon to honor the official.Invite the official to speak at meetings or conferences.Recognize the official’s efforts in newsletter or in letter to the editor.Volunteer in the official’s re-election campaign.18

19. Using the InternetTESOL’s U.S. Advocacy Action Centerhttp://capwiz.com/tesolhttp://www.senate.govhttp://www.house.govhttp://thomas.loc.gov19

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