Advocacy Through Civic Involvement

Advocating for our children includes being informed and exercising our civic responsibilities.

Don’t know where to start? Here are a few ideas to help you find important contacts.

1. Know your school.
   Meet the principal, other staff, teachers, and support persons. Participate in your school’s parent/teacher organization. Volunteer in your child’s classroom or in other areas of the school. Offer your time on committees and on site-based management teams.
2. Get to know your school board members.  
   Your school’s website has information about each school board member, including the member who represents the area where you live. You can also find dates and times of school board meetings and agendas for those meetings. The district has information about how to sign up to speak at a board meeting, how to write a letter to the school board and protocol for proper demeanor at school board meetings.
3. Know your city government.
   You should find information about your mayor, city manager, and city council members. For example, San Antonio city council members can be found by going to:  https://www.sanantonio.gov/council
4. Learn your state representatives.
   Go to www.house.state.tx.us to find your representatives using your address. This website also provides information on members of the various legislative committees, along with representatives' addresses, phone numbers, and district office contact information.
5. Sign and submit petitions.
   The White House website contains a “We the People” petition site that lists several petitions available for signature and the chance to submit your own petition.
6. Follow proposed or pending legislation.
   Understand it and its impact. Use various sources to gather information. Form your own opinions. Write letters, make phone calls, and send emails to decision-makers. Make your voice heard, at all levels of government

As you advocate for your child, know that your opinion matters and that you can make a difference for your child’s future.

You can find many advocacy organizations on the Find Services, Groups, or Events on this website.