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< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 8, 2023 press@campaignsharedfuture.org Latest blog post on “The Unbiased Classroom” Expresses the Importance of Teamwork for a More Enjoyable Educational Experience Washington, DC - The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) features insights from Mohan Sivaloganathan, the CEO of Our Turn , a national youth-led movement that promotes access to quality education. In the latest blog post for “The Unbiased Classroom” he emphasizes the need for allyship and collaboration for a better education system. Read an excerpt from: Bring Joy Back to Education “Appa, did you know that planes have aerodynamics that help them to go faster than cars or trains?” My 4-year old son loves school. Granted, every morning with him presents a new set of battles: brush your teeth, pick out your clothes, eat your breakfast instead of launching a new game at the dining table. But by the time we are walking through the hallway of his school during drop off, he literally forgets that I exist and goes marching into the classroom with confidence and excitement. He is eager to learn, discover, and have fun, and his school surrounds him with opportunities to be creative, make mistakes, and grow. As a father, I am compelled to resist the urge to envision his career as a pilot or astrophysicist. Instead, I try to situate myself as a passenger on his remarkable, ever evolving educational journey. Sadly, my son’s experience is increasingly an anomaly in the U.S. educational landscape. More and more families are wary of K-12 schools as politically motivated firestorms that divert attention from the support that our students deserve, and teachers are so overwhelmed that many are inclined to dissuade people from the profession. Schools should spark opportunity, equity, and possibility, and yet, we are experiencing a rapid drainage of joy from education. With a new school year upon us, I hope we can break away from a status quo of blame and polarization, and navigate toward a shared aspirational vision of education. There are three ways we can get started: building agency, investing in people, and fostering allyship. You can read the full post here . Sivaloganathan’s role as a father and his work at Our Turn provides an inspirational and thought-provoking perspective on the public education system. Education is about the people involved - students, teachers, parents, advocates, and more. Instead of creating a bigger divide, it is important that we look past the polarizing noise and invest in each other for a better future. COSF understands that a multitude of perspectives is important to the betterment of our education system. For that reason, COSF collects the perspectives and expertise of educators, parents, leaders and advocates to encourage honest and respectful discussions that can contribute to effective solutions for the success of all children. ### The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is a non-partisan effort to support high-quality K-12 education and preserve access, inclusion, and meaningful content in our schools so that every student has an opportunity to succeed and thrive. COSF is a common ground effort committed to fighting the attack on education across the country. Previous Next

< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 24, 2023 Contact: press@campaignsharedfuture.org The Campaign for Our Shared Future Responds to House Passage of the Politics Over Parents Act (HR 5) Senate must stop federal legislation that wastes tax dollars on red tape and scare tactics Washington, D.C. - Today, the Campaign for Our Shared Future Executive Director, Heather Harding, Ed.D., released the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives passing the Politics Over Parents Act (HR 5) : “This legislation is nothing more than a scare tactic by extremist politicians trying to make it harder for educators to work with parents to teach children what they need to learn. We call on the Senate to put this bill where it belongs—in the trash. “This is not about helping parents and teachers work together effectively—it’s about scoring political points by frightening families into thinking schools don’t have the best interests of children at heart. Federal laws—as well as many state and local laws—already cover much of what is detailed in this legislation. Parents can access the materials their children use in school, and districts already ask parents for their thoughts on materials before making purchases. “Instead of engaging in this kind of political theater that creates more red tape and wastes tax dollars, we should be talking about the support that families actually need coming out of a global pandemic. We need to focus on resources that help our children, not on the personal agendas of federal politicians who have little connection to our schools.” ### The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is a non-partisan effort to support high quality K-12 education and preserve access, inclusion, and meaningful content in our schools so that every student has an opportunity to succeed and thrive. COSF is a common ground effort committed to fighting the attack on education across the country. Previous Next

< Back How to be Effective Speak on our terms — not theirs: Avoid using hot button language that is intentionally being mischaracterized. Say what you mean with simple language that reflects your community values. Aim to engage, not educate: People tend to shut down when they feel like they’re being “educated.” Instead, bring them into the conversation, by hearing their perspectives, asking questions, and thanking them for sharing. Share the truth, but know when to leave: Remember that not everyone will be willing to listen, and it’s not your responsibility to convince everyone at the table. Make sure to acknowledge how you’re feeling and take time to practice routines of selfcare. As we continue to navigate fraught and intense discussions, it’s important that we step away from hot-button language and humanize the debate . This language will help allies transition away from the opposition’s framing so that we can get the conversation back on our terms. When confronted with opposition talking points or concerns: DO address concerns earnestly, and inoculate against the worst misconceptions DON’T debate the meaning of jargon, or dismiss concerns outright. Sample pivot and inoculation statements: I hear what you’re saying. I think we can both agree that we want our kids to feel valued and accepted. That’s why… I hear your concern, and I want to be clear that isn’t what is happening in our classrooms. What we both care about is… Parent involvement is great and I am so glad you are involved in your kids' education. In fact, parents and teachers should work together to… Previous Next

< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 10, 2023 press@campaignsharedfuture.org Campaign for Our Shared Future Launches "The Unbiased Classroom" Blog "The Unbiased Classroom" is a resource that aims to shed light on the effects of politics entering the education system and how it’s hurting all of our children WASHINGTON, DC - The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is excited to announce the launch of its blog, " The Unbiased Classroom " which serves as a space for open dialogue and respectful discussions on today's challenging topics. By leveraging the expertise and perspectives of guest authors, including educators, parents, leaders, and other passionate advocates, this blog will delve into preserving the integrity of our educational system. "Education is the cornerstone of our society, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality and inclusive learning environment. 'The Unbiased Classroom' serves as a powerful platform for fostering dialogue, challenging existing norms, and working towards a future where equity and excellence are not mere aspirations, but fundamental principles guiding our educational system,” said Heather Harding, Ed.D, Executive Director of COSF. COSF recognizes the value of open dialogue and respectful discussions, especially on the most pressing issues of our time. "The Unbiased Classroom" is specifically designed to foster such conversations, enabling everyone from educators to politicians to seek common ground and work together towards effective solutions that prioritize the well-being and success of our children. COSF is pleased that its inaugural guest author is Willie Carver, Jr a former Kentucky Teacher of the Year and author who was forced to resign due to the relentless harassment he endured, as well as the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination on his teaching and the overall school environment. Read an excerpt from States Across America Just Handed their Curriculum to Extremists : Education has always dealt with the political reality of racism and homophobia, but, as multiple recent reports show, those issues are worsening in public schools–and our communities are feeling the aftershock. Schools are erasing LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices in order to avoid controversy and legal repercussions at a time when students in those communities need to feel inclusion and belonging for their wellbeing . I saw this erasure play out often in my former school district, Montgomery County Schools in Mount Sterling, KY. As a member of the English Department, I worked with my colleagues to select age-appropriate texts. One of those books was the award-winning The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Just one parent called and complained. It was banned the next day. At the time, our superintendent broke school policy in banning the book in one day without a process . Now, lack of process has become standard practice. You can read the full post here . Willie's powerful personal experience underscores the urgent need for inclusivity and tolerance within our educational institutions. Through his courageous story, "The Unbiased Classroom" aims to shed light on the challenges faced by educators and students alike, with the ultimate goal of effecting positive change. ### The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is a non-partisan effort to support high-quality K-12 education and preserve access, inclusion, and meaningful content in our schools so that every student has an opportunity to succeed and thrive. COSF is a common ground effort committed to fighting the attack on education across the country. Previous Next

< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 22, 2023 Contact: press@campaignsharedfuture.org The Campaign for Our Shared Future Responds to the U.S. Education Department’s Resolution Agreement with Georgia School District Washington, D.C . - Today, the Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) Executive Director, Heather Harding, Ed.D., released the following statement in response to the resolution agreement reached by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and Forsyth County, Georgia, on Friday. The Education Department held that the district’s handling of book challenges created a hostile environment on the basis of race and sex, and the district agreed to take immediate steps to assess the damage done and support the students harmed by their actions. “This resolution agreement confirms what families across the country experience every day: Book bans and curriculum censorship create uncertainty and fear for all students and a hostile environment for those most directly affected. “All students should have access to high-quality, age-appropriate materials that educate and celebrate the rich history of our country. Instead, far too many districts are abandoning long-standing, thoughtful procedures for reviewing books in response to extremist politicians looking to score points at the expense of our children. “P arents do not want politicians meddling in our children’s education. This resolution agreement reminds school and district leaders of their primary duty: to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for their students, even as political storms swirl around them. Our families, educators, and school administrators must work together to protect books and materials that allow all students to be authentically represented.” ### The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is a non-partisan effort to support high quality K-12 education and preserve access, inclusion, and meaningful content in our schools so that every student has an opportunity to succeed and thrive. COSF is a common ground effort committed to fighting the attack on education across the country. Previous Next

< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 20, 2023 Contact: press@campaignsharedfuture.org The Campaign for Our Shared Future Criticizes House’s Misguided Priorities Over Passage of Politics Over Participation Act (HR 734) Our elected officials should focus on the real dangers facing our students instead of wasting tax dollars on political theater bullying vulnerable children Washington, D.C . - Today, the Campaign for Our Shared Future Executive Director, Heather Harding, Ed.D., released the following statement criticizing the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Politics Over Participation Act (HR 734): “I am disgusted by the political theater that has once again forced its way to the top of the House’s agenda. This legislation is not about protecting anyone but instead targets some of our most vulnerable children in an attempt to score political points. “Across the country parents, teachers, and students are begging leaders to address safety concerns in schools. These pleas are being ignored by proponents of this bill who want to distract from their inaction and would rather focus on which children can participate in school sports. “We need to protect our students from threats, discrimination, and bullying whether it’s coming from the playground or the halls of Congress.” ### The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is a non-partisan effort to support high quality K-12 education and preserve access, inclusion, and meaningful content in our schools so that every student has an opportunity to succeed and thrive. COSF is a common ground effort committed to fighting the attack on education across the country. Previous Next

< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2023 Contact: press@campaignsharedfuture.org The Campaign for Our Shared Future Responds to Parents Bill of Rights (HR 5) New federal legislation aims to scare, not help, families and wastes tax dollars on red tape Washington, D.C. - Today, the Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) Executive Director, Heather Harding, Ed.D., released the following statement in response to the introduction of the Parents Bill of Rights Act (HR 5) : “This bill is not about helping parents and teachers work together more effectively – it’s about scaring parents into thinking that schools don't have the best interests of children at heart. Instead of scoring political points and wasting tax dollars on more bureaucracy, we should be talking about the support that families actually need. We need to focus on resources that help our children. “This is a solution looking for a problem playing out through political theater by radical politicians. Federal law–as well as many state and local laws–already ensure that parents have access to the materials their children use in school. Districts already ask parents for their thoughts on materials before making purchases. “Any policy that claims to promote the best interests of families needs input and consideration from real parents in the community. It should not come from federal politicians who are trying to advance their personal agendas and have little connection to the schools in question.” ​ ### The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is a non-partisan effort to support high quality K-12 education and preserve access, inclusion, and meaningful content in our schools so that every student has an opportunity to succeed and thrive. COSF is a common ground effort committed to fighting the attack on education across the country. Previous Next

< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 2023 press@campaignsharedfuture.org ICYMI: Campaign for Our Shared Future Elevates Student Leader’s Mission to Center Youth Voices In The Fight For High-Quality Education Latest Blog Post on “The Unbiased Classroom” Explains the Importance of Student Leadership For A High-Quality Education Washington, D.C . - Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) shares testimony from Addie Lentzner, a student and Executive Fellow with Our Turn , a national youth-led movement that promotes access to quality education. In the latest blog post for “The Unbiased Classroom,” Lentzner shares her experiences as a high school student during the start of the pandemic and encourages readers to center student voices in education decisions. Lentzner’s perspective adds value to discussions about curriculum and censorship. She understands how it feels to not learn about certain topics and the effect that has on her and her peers' ability to understand the world around them. Her and other youth leaders involved in Our Turn demonstrate that students care about what they learn, and student voices are crucial to creating a curriculum that is beneficial for all students. COSF knows that it takes collaboration to better education and students must be part of the conversation because they are experiencing the consequences of decisions every day. Their opinions can help us to understand what works and what could be better. Youth voices need to be heard so that they get the most out of their education experience. Read an excerpt from: “Want to improve K-12 Education? Listen to the Students.” “Addie, what happened during the war of 1812?” I quickly jumped from another tab - where I was focused on the latest news flashing across my screen - to the Google Meet screen for high school history. I unmuted, giving an answer I knew was nowhere near correct. I always loved school, and believed that education is one of the most important aspects of our society. However, I think we’re doing school all wrong. During 2020, at the start of COVID, my classmates and I had to transition to a whole new way of learning, while also navigating a period of reckoning with the incessant murders of innocent Black Americans. I understand the importance of history, and I eventually learned what happened during the war of 1812. But a classroom setting where high school students are unable to process the events taking place in the world around them and the changes that are affecting their lives isn’t an environment that best serves us. We were experiencing a worldwide pandemic, racial inequality and police brutality, and the stress of virtual learning on our mental health. And we were expected to come to the classroom and forget it all. The death of George Floyd was a moment of reckoning and yet it’s also part of a long history of race in America. A history that in too many places across the country is being erased by extremists and politicians. Did you know that there have been attempts to ban books or restrict curriculum in over 40 states? That there are publishers who have been pressured to remove race from lessons about Rosa Parks? This isn’t about making anyone feel bad, it’s about learning the true and complete history of our country - something that I didn’t get in my public school. … As the country and world watched our nation grapple with racial injustice and the continuous police brutality, we as students didn’t have the history to understand how we arrived at that moment and what we could do to overcome the adversity we were seeing. How can we expect young people to think independently and create positive change if we don’t teach them the truth? In short, we have to transform our education system to reflect the lived experiences of students and reflect the true and complete history of our country. You can read the full post here . If you are interested in learning about the work other student leaders are spearheading related to K-12 public schools the Campaign for Our Shared Future would welcome the opportunity to connect you to their work. ## The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is a non-partisan effort to support high-quality K-12 education and preserve access, inclusion, and meaningful content in our schools so that every student has an opportunity to succeed and thrive. COSF is a common ground effort committed to fighting the attack on education across the country. Previous Next

< Back Election Efforts: COSF Reflection Background Historically, school boards didn't gain much attention outside of their communities. But over the past couple years, culture wars have disrupted school board meetings and undermined healthy local control of our schools. Across the country, school board members have come under attack for trying to do their jobs and run our schools well. In the short term, these outbursts are distracting, but their long-term effects are more troubling: They will change who runs for local school boards and who wins those seats—in many cases for the worse. Challenge COSF set out to develop an effective and replicable GOTV program that focuses solely on school board elections. These races have low turnout because voters tend to have difficulty finding useful information about the candidates. In order to ensure that we elect school board representatives who are focused on the real needs of our children, we need to be informed voters. And rather than come up every second or fourth November, school board elections can take place in any month during any year. The cycle depends on local laws. Approach Working on parallel tracks, but not in collaboration, COSF and COSF-AF created a holistic approach to school board elections. As a 501(c)3, COSF’s main objective was to increase pro-equity voter turnout. As a 501(c)4, COSF-AF set out to secure wins for pro-equity candidates. They could not intentionally target the same districts, and they were not allowed to know each other’s movements unless the information was publicly available. The approach from both sides can best be described as Learn, Leverage, and Launch: Learn Our best indicator of the key voters is past data on who has voted in previous school board elections. Understanding the demographics of who is and who is not voting—especially in the primary versus general election—allowed us to chart a pathway to victory that prioritizes education equity as a central issue for voters. COSF and COSF-AF separately monitored boards and races around the country and identified key districts that were in danger of being overrun by extremists. Both organizations assessed the resources already available to pro-equity candidates and the existing support of pro-equity voters. COSF looked for opportunities to build movements that would last past the election cycle. COSF-AF looked for winnable elections in the short term. Leverage COSF and COSF-AF relied heavily on partners to produce effective GOTV programs. Partnerships provide local credibility and significantly expand a campaign’s reach. COSF worked extensively to convene and train partners on the nuances of school board elections. In addition to live meetings and workshops, we created training videos and the Movement Playbook , a comprehensive guideline for how to effectively organize around school board elections. Both COSF and COSF-AF relied heavily on partners to complete candidate assessments. COSF created and distributed a candidate guide, which provided unedited answers to several questions about policies and topics related to the district. COSF-AF worked with partners to develop an endorsement process that was both thorough and straightforward for candidates. Launch Taken together, COSF and COSF-AF’s election program worked general to specific. COSF started with a statewide voter education effort. This included a registration component through national partners such as I Am A Voter as well as a social media and influencer campaign, regular email blasts, press outreach, and paid ads. The objective was to increase broad awareness of upcoming school board elections in order to provide context for the targeted and more in depth tactics that followed. Next, came distribution of the candidate guide through digital channels as well as direct mail. In select districts, we hosted in-person voter education events such as candidate forums, block walks, and Ballots and Bagels parties. Closer to Election Day, we conducted paid voter contact through text and phone banking, and we supported partner programs. COSF-AF’s broad voter education efforts remained at the national level through the organization’s social media and press engagement. After we determined our endorsement slate, we promoted those candidates heavily on our social channels and conducted targeted press outreach within their districts. COSF-AF also leveraged its email list to promote candidates. Working with partners, COSF-AF placed digital ads in target districts and worked with independent expenditures to support the endorsed candidates. Results COSF Guilford, CT: no one ran against incumbents because of the successful groundwork done in 2021 Lafayette, LA: no extremists elected to school board Central Bucks, PA: flipped the school board Pine Richland, PA: one pro-equity candidate , but increased voter turnout Rockingham, VA: increased voter turnout by 24% and brought attention to District 4 COSF-AF Endorsed a total of 23 candidates 83% win rate Ohio: 2-1 Pennsylvania: 14-0 Virginia: 3-3 Spent $35K on independent expenditures Blocked 70 anti-equity candidates from being voted in through efforts with partners Lessons Strategy The top of the ticket has a significant impact on school board elections. If a high profile candidate leans anti-equity or makes culture wars a defining issue in their campaign platform, voters will look for school board candidates that reflect those views. In many districts, a simple GOTV program is not enough because voters don’t know anything about the candidates. Even though school board elections are nonpartisan in most states, many people still view the candidates through a party lens. This is often because of the lack of information available to voters, but it’s also because the issues discussed and the policies proposed by candidates can reflect broader political ideologies. While candidates can take some actions to signal their party affiliation, a more effective tactic is to create slates of like-minded candidates in order to pool resources. It is important to maintain year-round organizing and establish deep trust in a community. Low-information elections require multiple touch points with voters in order to give them the fullest pictures of the candidates. That type of regular engagement is only effective if the organization has strong ties with the community. A 501(c)3 is most effective at trust-building and long term engagement, but at some point, voters just need the name of a preferred candidate. That’s why 501(c)4 efforts are critical. The c3 gets the vote out. The c4 gets the vote right. Tactics Phone Banks: Ensure volunteers are comfortable with both the content of the scripts and the technology being used. Every phone bank should start with a 15-20 minute training that includes a review of the script, a description of who you’re calling that day, and a space for tech questions. The first time you phone bank with a new group, assume you’ll spend 30-60 mins talking about the script and explaining the technology. Lots of volunteers fear the technology so it’s important to know the tech savviness of your group and adjust your training accordingly. Voter Files: Be sure to have a plan for all of your technology before you settle on a voter file. It is ideal to be able to track your voter file, door knocking, text banking, and phone banking efforts in one centralized system that either runs everything or allows you to connect different platforms. Also, though the lowest priced voter file may seem best, determine whether there are hidden costs or logistical complications with connecting it to your voter outreach tools. Scripts: It’s important to update your scripts based on feedback from the organizations and activists on the ground. We wrote the initial drafts based on the issues that folks on the ground said were happening in the community, took feedback from them during the initial training, and made adjustments. Partners and activists made a point to let us know that most national organizations don’t ask for feedback and they were grateful to be included. It’s essential to work with folks on the ground and respect the knowledge they have about their own communities. Op-Eds: Recognizing that safety is an ongoing concern for parents and advocates on the ground, we need to find ways to ensure that potential allies feel safe to speak out about what’s going on in their community. This could come through connections to organizations that host online safety trainings or similar programs. Creating this safety allows us to engage with individuals who feel comfortable putting their name on op-eds/letters to the editor without fearing backlash. Previous Next

< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 13, 2022 Contact: press@campaignsharedfuture.org Campaign for Our Shared Future anuncia una compra de anuncios de $300,000 en Ohio, Pensilvania y Missouri Washington, D.C. – The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF), un esfuerzo común comprometido a luchar contra el ataque a la educación pública en todo el país, anunció una compra de anuncios de $300,000 en Ohio, Pennsylvania y Missouri, condenando los esfuerzos divisivos contra la educación. El anuncio de Ohio critica la peligrosa legislación de inspección genital de los legisladores estatales que apunta a los deportes juveniles . La legislación daría acceso público a las partes privadas de las niñas al exigir que cualquier estudiante atleta se someta a una inspección genital externa e interna completa si es acusada o sospechosa de ser transgénero. Esta campaña publicitaria se lanzó la misma semana en que la Junta de Educación del Estado de Ohio votó una resolución que intentaba invalidar las protecciones para los niños LGBTQ+. COSF alienta a los padres a decirles a los legisladores de Ohio que mantengan sus manos alejadas de sus hijos. En Pensilvania, el anuncio destaca los ataques recientes a las bibliotecas escolares , que han llevado a un distrito escolar a liderar la nación con la mayor cantidad de libros prohibidos. COSF está pidiendo a los padres que protejan los derechos de sus hijos para aprender sobre líderes como Rosa Parks, Anne Frank y Martin Luther King Jr. El anuncio de Missouri llama a los padres a condenar la retórica de odio utilizada por Jessica Clark, miembro de la junta escolar de Rockwood Missouri. En lugar de centrarse en las necesidades de todos los niños, Clark se burla de los estudiantes con discapacidades y promueve temas divisivos para atraer a una base extremista. “En todo el país, los políticos extremistas les están fallando a las familias y los estudiantes, a quienes les importa más promover guerras culturales divisivas que brindar una educación de alta calidad apropiada para la edad. Los estudiantes y los padres se preocupan profundamente por esa misión, pero no siempre saben qué se interpone en el camino o qué hacer al respecto”, dice Heather Harding Ed.D., directora ejecutiva de COSF. “Estos anuncios llamarán la atención sobre estos temas importantes y recordarán a las familias las consecuencias de permitir que nuestros hijos sean utilizados como peones políticos”. Puedes ver los anuncios de Ohio aquí y aquí , el anuncio de Pensilvania aquí y el anuncio de Missouri aquí . ### La Campaña por Nuestro Futuro Compartido (COSF) es un esfuerzo no partidista para apoyar la educación K-12 de alta calidad y preservar el acceso, la inclusión y el contenido significativo en nuestras escuelas para que cada estudiante tenga la oportunidad de tener éxito y prosperar. COSF es un esfuerzo común comprometido a luchar contra el ataque a la educación en todo el país. Previous Next

< Back Election Recap: 2023 Executive Summary Tuesday’s election was a victory for kids. The results vividly illustrate what our collective dedication can accomplish. This is not about partisanship or CRT or parents rights or anything else. People went to the polls and voted for high-quality education for their children. Our c3 efforts increased voter turnout across key districts. Coalitions win elections at the local level. We as a national organization cannot divide and conquer. Collectively, we need to invest c3 and c4 dollars, and use every resource available to shine a light on hate slates. Lessons Learned Strategy : The top of the ticket has a significant impact on school board elections. In heavily Republican-leaning districts, we saw Republicans win down ballot. In many of these districts, we ran a strictly GOTV program and it was insufficient to elect pro-equity candidates. Thus, Phone Banks : Ensure volunteers are comfortable with both the content of the scripts and the technology being used. Every phone bank should start with a 15-20 minute training that includes a review of the script, a description of who you’re calling that day, and a space for tech questions. The first time you phone bank with a new group, assume you’ll spend 30-60 mins talking about the script and explaining the technology. Lots of volunteers fear the technology so it’s important to know the tech savviness of your group and adjust your training accordingly. Text Banking : We need to set up our text banking system earlier with a known platform and, most importantly, get opt-ins from supporters starting in the year ahead. Partnerships - Base building is key - we need relationships on the ground and State Organizers on the ground in any GOTV states (minimum 1 year up to election seasons) Voter Files : Be sure to have a plan for all of your technology before you settle on a voter file. It is ideal to be able to track your voter file, door knocking, text banking, and phone banking efforts in one centralized system that either runs everything or allows you to connect different platforms. Also, though the lowest priced voter file may seem best, determine whether there are hidden costs or logistical complications with connecting it to your voter outreach tools. Scripts : It’s important to update your scripts based on feedback from the organizations and activists on the ground. We wrote the initial drafts based on the issues that folks on the ground said were happening in the community, took feedback from them during the initial training, and made adjustments. Partners and activists made a point to let us know that most national organizations don’t ask for feedback and they were grateful to be included. It’s essential to work with folks on the ground and respect the knowledge they have about their own communities. Op-Eds : Recognizing that safety is an ongoing concern for parents and advocates on the ground, we need to find ways to ensure that potential allies feel safe to speak out about what’s going on in their community. This could come through connections to organizations that host online safety trainings or similar programs. Creating this safety allows us to engage with individuals who feel comfortable putting their name on op-eds/letters to the editor without fearing backlash. Messaging Training : We heard time after time how helpful messaging trainings were to folks who attended. In the future, we should strategize ways to get the training in front of more advocates and activists. Previous Next

< Back to Newsroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 27, 2022 Contact: press@campaignsharedfuture.org Campaign for Our Shared Future Launches Student Task Force Washington, D.C. - Today, the Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF), a common ground effort committed to fighting the attack on public education across the country, announced the launch of a Student Task Force. The task force convenes student leaders from across the country who care deeply about protecting a high-quality K-12 education that centers the needs of them and their peers. “I am thrilled that the Campaign for Our Shared Future is adding a remarkable group of proven student advocates to our team. These students have been leading the way for young people in their communities to advocate for the education they deserve,” said Heather Harding Ed.D., COSF executive director. “While extremist politicians have been launching repeated attacks on public education — banning books and silencing student voices — these young activists have been showing up to school board meetings and organizing their classmates. We are thrilled to partner with each of them to help stop the politicization of our schools once and for all.” Each student was drawn to the Student Task Force for their own reasons, and each student boasts their own impressive accomplishments. One member, Cameron Samuels was raised in Texas and has been vocal in their fight against discrimination and censorship in the classroom. “Education must represent and support all students,” said Cameron Samuels, Student Task Force member. “This Task Force would provide me opportunities to support public policy to strengthen the commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion in education.” Earlier this year Samuels testified before the Texas Senate to address the whitewashing of the social studies curriculum and is serving as Youth Honorary Chair of Banned Books Week. Hylah Daly has been a powerful voice for the diverse Georgia community where she was raised. She sued her county over a lack of diverse representation on her local school board. “I joined the Student Task Force because I believe it is necessary for schools to give all students, regardless of background, a good school experience and take accountability for their actions when they do things that hinder a student's safety or ability to learn,” said Hylah Daly, Student Task Force member. “Most kids across the country attend or have attended public schools. I want to see what students across other states are dealing with, or fighting for, related to education justice and for us to be able to support each other.” After a national search, seven students were selected to join the inaugural task force, bringing together students from Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. These young activists will partner with COSF to respond to attacks on K-12 education and guide COSF’s investments in building student power. The students on the task force will receive training and resources to take action in their own communities and become powerful education advocates. ### The Campaign for Our Shared Future (COSF) is a non-partisan effort to support high quality K-12 education and preserve access, inclusion, and meaningful content in our schools so that every student has an opportunity to succeed and thrive. COSF is a common ground effort committed to fighting the attack on education across the country. Previous Next