When President Donald Trump and his uniquely unqualified Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos laid out their agenda to divert taxpayer dollars from public education to private school vouchers, they ignited a firestorm among those who believe in the fundamental promise of public education.

Much of what the Trump administration is proposing at the federal level is already being passed at the state and local level. And that’s why:

Local activism is key to winning for students. 

Nationwide, there are everyday people who care deeply about their public schools are looking for ways to help defend and improve them. They are educators, parents, students, and other concerned citizens. They are Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.

If enough public education supporters act locally, we can win nationally.

What does it mean to speak up for education and kids? Everything you do to stand up for public education helps. Perhaps you are already engaged in online activism and organizing. But the most critical actions you can take will be on the ground and in person, at rallies and protests, at meetings with elected officials, and at any assembly open to citizen input. Local educators have the greatest impact working through their union to earn community support and speak up together.

We spoke to NEA educators from across the country to gather their best advice on becoming an effective advocate for public education. Here’s what they had to say:

Source: The NEA Guide to Activism That Counts – Education Votes