If you are thinking about starting an Educate Worthington-like community group, then we have a few tips for you to make your venture successful:
Always tell the truth. Research your facts and stick with them. If you make a mistake, correct it publicly and prominently. Don’t guess at the facts and avoid exaggeration.
Always be civil and “take the high road”, even while people may call you every name in the book. You will gain respect, and they will not. Many of them will react with emotion rather than reason. Stick to reason, and recite the facts fairly and frequently, and in a very calm tone and you will disarm some of the detractors, who would prefer to make it a personal battle rather than sticking to facts that don’t support their argument very well. In fact, you may even educate them along the way. Being angry, demeaning, or condescending will drive away as many as you attract.
Write letters to the editor(s), especially your local papers, as this is the main way the older generation gets their information. While a website is useful for communication, you will reach more of an audience through print. Since most newspapers will limit how many times you can write, encourage others to write, and encourage them to follow the recommendations in items 1 and 2 above. The tone is every bit as important as the accuracy of the message. Be direct and to the point without being harsh or demeaning (even though some may well deserve it).
If you don’t form a Political Action Committee (PAC), you can have two people and can only spend about $100. You can’t endorse candidates and you can’t raise or collect money. Even though this has worked very well for us, it may not for you. If you decide to go the PAC route, consult the Secretary of State’s website for more information.
Attend board meetings, even if only to closely monitor the words and actions of the board. You will have more credibility if you attend meetings and become familiar with the issues. You will also see or get to know the players involved. You may even find, as we have, that board members and district leaders are often willing to hear your arguments. Get to know some or all of the board members.
Ask questions and get as much information as you can. Ask board members, administrators, media representatives, parents and teachers.
We find it interesting that some pro-levy groups (Westerville) and actual school districts have purchased the "Educate'CityName'" domain names. If they decide to actually use the domains, we hope that the truth will be their mission.