Take a Field Trip to the State Capitol
Each year, thousands of people visit the Missouri State Capitol to meet with legislators and rally for their cause. The private school choice movement is no different with our movement growing stronger every year. Legislators often only hear from lobbyists and public school administrators so it’s important for students, parents, teachers and administrators from private schools to meet face to face with their legislators to let them know the importance of private schools in the whole education landscape in Missouri.
Step-by-Step guide:
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If you plan to schedule your own field trip, sign up at least a month in advance on Sign-up Genius at https://bit.ly/MOREadvocacyday so that you can come on your own day and not overlap with another school. The MORE network strives to have a school at the capitol every week.
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Make a list of elected officials to invite based on where your families reside and your school address. You can look up your state elected officials at
www.more-network.org/legislators.
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Call legislators to reserve time for your students to meet with their legislators. If you’re planning a field trip, the MORE Network can help make arrangements. Consider your travel time as to not set appointments too early or late in the day. Leave an additional 30min for parking and getting to offices.
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Prepare your group with talking points (see below.
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Bring materials about your school, written student or parent testimony, or any other artwork or cards from students, get creative!
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Send legislators a thank you card. This can also be done by email but a handwritten letter speaks volumes and is a great project for students!Select a group/class of students to participate.
Talking points to consider when talking to your legislator:
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How is your school important to your community?
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How many/what percentage of your students receive financial assistance?
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Student success such as college acceptance, dual credits for college, special projects, extracurricular activities, athletics, community service.
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Diversity/demographics (race, income, religious or non-religious, etc).
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Private schools save public schools money, highlight your tuition.
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Your special education services.
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Accountability, share the ways you measure student success, standardized testing, accrediting body etc.
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Acceptance rate, how are students selected to attend your school?
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What makes your school unique?
Get help through the MORE Network
We understand that resources are tight for everyone. MORE can help you with your project by providing advice and guidance as well as tangible support with:
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Printing permission slips.
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Scheduling meetings with legislators.
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Personal tour guide for your day at the capitol.
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Materials to make thank you cards.
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Depending on your group size we may be able to assist with bus or gas reimbursement.