Core Module 10 Advocacy: Engaging the Public Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO) Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC) Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) Advocacy: Engaging the Public 10 “Many voices, a common good, a consistent message…”

Core Module 10 Advocacy: Engaging the Public Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO) Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC) Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) What is Advocacy? Active support for an idea or cause Involves drawing attention to or providing education on an issue, influencing decision makers May include lobbying efforts

Core Module 10 Advocacy: Engaging the Public Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO) Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC) Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) You have been asked to speak to the local business association for their annual dinner. You mention that you plan to speak about the importance of Catholic education to the community. The planning event Chair asks you, “What does that have to do with our business association?” In what ways is this an advocacy opportunity? What kind of advocacy response might this call for and how can you respond?

Core Module 10 Advocacy: Engaging the Public Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO) Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC) Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) When school board trustees are elected they assume responsibility for representing their constituents in all education issues related to their school district

Core Module 10 Advocacy: Engaging the Public Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO) Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC) Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) Advocacy Concerns for Most Boards Special Education programming English as a Second Language Student transportation Full-day Early Learning French Language Instructions Children’s Mental Health issues Legislation or regulations that impact school board governance Renewable energy technologies The use of standardized test scores Adult education classes Use of schools – recreation The school as a location for various services The future of Catholic education

Core Module 10 Advocacy: Engaging the Public Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO) Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC) Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) Steps in the Advocacy Process 1.Define the issue 2.Set goals and objectives 3.Identify and analyze target audiences 4.Create strategy and action plans 5.Develop communication plan 6.Develop monitoring and evaluation plan

Core Module 10 Advocacy: Engaging the Public Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO) Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC) Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) Meet C.R.E.S. Step 1: Define the issue

Core Module 10 Advocacy: Engaging the Public Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO) Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC) Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) Step 2: Set goals and objectives What do you want to achieve? – Do you agree with C.R.E.S. and want to support their efforts – Do you want to protect the status quo? – Do you want to use this as an opportunity for reform?

Core Module 10 Advocacy: Engaging the Public Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO) Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC) Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) Complete Steps 3 and 4 1.Define the issue 2.Set goals and objectives 3.Identify and analyze target audiences 4.Create strategy and action plans 5.Develop communication plan 6.Develop monitoring and evaluation plan

Core Module 10 Advocacy: Engaging the Public Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO) Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC) Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE) Strengthening the Advocacy Role No single right way to advocate – situations and contexts vary Need to move issues up the priority list – centre advocacy around student achievement and well-being Build networks Be engaged in communities Use your resources – i.e. trustee associations