Typically, whenever I read something telling me I need to contact my legislators, I automatically put my head down, hoping no one will call on me. I realize no one is in the room with me. I just hope someone else will do it. Do you ever feel that way?
It’s human nature to put off what we don’t like doing or what we don’t understand. But I have come to realize that I need to become more comfortable with this task. And I am trying to figure out what the obstacles are that keep me from having a more willing spirit. I think part of it is I’m not sure where to start. Should I just read more about what is happening in the legislature during the session? Should I be following certain bills more closely? Should I begin emailing? Should I pick one legislator and focus on learning who they are and what they stand for? Or should I pick two so I can compare their viewpoints? I’ve met some of my local legislators, so I know who they are. I just haven’t had a conversation about education with them. Yet.
I can’t be the only administrator out there who feels like their plate is full enough, if not spilling over, and yet knows that as an educational leader I should be more active in contacting my legislators. So, you wise people out there...what advice do you have for me to help me get started?
Reggie Engebritson