Join us on March 4 and stand up to protect our kids!
On Tuesday, March 4, educators, students, parents and community allies will stand up against assaults on public education and on opportunity for America’s youth. We are calling on lawmakers to strengthen, not undermine, our local public schools and the services they provide to children, families and communities.
By highlighting the harmful consequences of these attacks on public schools and students, we aim to build public pressure on policymakers and amplify the voices of those directly impacted.
www.aft.org/ProtectOurKids
www.aft.org/protectourkids/toolkit
We must:
- Pressure decision-makers: Urge elected officials at both the federal and state levels to oppose cuts to federal funding and block grants, both of which will hurt kids.
- Raise awareness: Educate the public about the devastating consequences of dismantling the Department of Education, gutting federal education funding and providing no-strings-attached block grants.
- Mobilize support: Engage a broad coalition of stakeholders—including educators, students, parents and community members—to participate in actions nationwide.
- Drive media coverage: Generate media attention through storytelling, coordinated events, rallies, etc.
- Lift up our stories: Highlight how these cuts disproportionately harm vulnerable students, including those from underserved communities and students with disabilities.
- Take action in our communities: Wage this fight in the communities where students will lose services they rely on, not just in Washington, D.C.
Day of Action activities can include:
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Local and national events: Organize rallies, marches and teach-ins in key cities and communities on March 4.
- Partner with local organizations to host panels or town halls focused on the impact of federal education funding cuts.
- Advocacy and lobbying: Organize call-in days and email campaigns targeting legislators to urge them to oppose the Trump agenda that will hurt our public schools and communities. Provide participants with scripts and talking points for contacting their representatives.
- Story collection and amplification: Collect and share real-life stories from educators, students and parents showcasing the tangible harm cuts to services and supports they rely on will cause. Use videos, blogs and social media to amplify their voices.
- Media outreach: Conduct interviews with local media outlets and adapt a sample press release and op-ed featuring impacted individuals.
- Digital mobilization: Launch a robust social media campaign with shareable graphics, infographics and videos using the hashtag #ProtectOurKids to drive engagement and awareness.