Right to Education Take Action Guide and Resource List

If you have 10 minutes... 

• Learn the Facts. Read our fact sheet on the right to education and then test your knowledge with our short quiz at www.discoverhumanrights.org/toolkit.html.
• Donate. Make a donation to an organization like Parents for Public Schools (www.parents4publicschools.com/) or the National Association for Multicultural Education (www.nameorg.org/) that works to close the achievement gap and promote higher education in the United States.
• Become a Cyber Lobbyist. Sign up at http://capwiz.com/nea/mlm/signup/ to get regular updates on ways to lobby for improving education legislation.

If you have a few hours...

• Write a Letter. Research and write a personal letter to your federal representative urging them to ensure that all Americans have equal access to quality schools and higher education.  Children's Defense Fund offers a guide on writing an effective letter at www.childrensdefense.org/child-advocacy-resources-center/child-advocacy-actions/write-a-letter-to-your-elected-official.html.
• Educate. Download our PowerPoint presentation or select one of our lesson plans for a presentation at your school, community center, or faith community about the right to education.
• Give Books and Materials to Local Teachers. Teachers often lack classroom supplies and teaching materials, and must spend their own money to stock their classroom.  Contact your neighborhood school or visit www.iloveschools.com/ to find out what your local teachers might need that you could donate. 

If you have a month...

• Monitor Your School District. Research how well your local schools are performing - examine student achievement, explore gaps between students of different racial or economic backgrounds, and look at budgets and curriculum.  Education Trust provides a guide for parents and community members on how to analyze school data to improve student achievement: www2.edtrust.org/edtrust/images/dataguidefinal.pdf.
• Present at a School Board Meeting.  . Try to get on the agenda for a local school board meeting, and give a brief presentation on the right to education and what your community can do to close the education gap and promote equal treatment in the school system.
• Start a Book Club. Form a book club with friends and/or colleagues to learn about and discuss the right to education in the United States.  Suggested books include Shame of the Nation by Jonathan Kozol, Work Hard. Be Nice. by Jay Mathews, and Possible Lives: The Promise of Public Education in America by Mike Rose.

If you have a year or more...

• Promote Student Voice in School Reform.  Encourage meaningful student involvement and engage students as partners in school reform.  Visit www.soundout.org/ for tools and information for students, educators, and advocates.
• Volunteer at Your Local School.  Help out with school-sponsored fundraisers, after school activities or field trips.  Get to know teachers and administrators and speak with them about their needs, as well as your questions and concerns. 
• Be a Mentor.  Encourage kids in your community to succeed in school through an organization like the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.  Or check if your local school or community nonprofit runs a tutoring program for struggling students.
• Run for Office.  Run for your local school board or, if you are still in school, your student government, and use your position to advocate for closing the education gap, promoting higher graduation rates, and improving state funding.