Develop an Action Plan
Step 1: Analyze Your State's Potential for Change
Before attempting to advocate for a change, state associations need
to assess the potential for a successful outcome. State
associations need to determine the state's potential for
success which includes the following factors:
- Past/current state or local efforts to enact change
- Identification of key decision makers and an assessment of
their level of opposition or support for state association
issues
- An active, developed grassroots network among state
association members
- Involvement of parent/consumer groups
- Commitment for school-related issues by the state association
leadership
- Political climate in the state: budget concerns, state
agenda, legislative/regulatory calendar
- Process to effect change: legislative, regulatory, state or
local
Key Points:
- Identify important factors necessary for change
- Determine level of support or opposition
- Evaluate the political climate
- Determine areas of action needed