Transcript Michele Strasz, MIAAP, Reach out And Read MI

Michele Strasz, MIAAP, Program Director,
Reach Out and Read MI, [email protected]
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Why are we focused on candidate education?
Who are the candidates?
What is our message?
How do we brief/interview candidates?
Practice
Role Model
Next Steps
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Let them know who you are part of an active parent
constituency as a parent advocate and member of the
GSC Parent Coalition.
Educate candidates for state house and senate about
early childhood issues
Begin a dialogue with candidates between the GSC and
ECIC as a trusted resource on EC
Foster partnerships between elected officials and their
constituents on EC
Encourage candidates to include EC in their speeches,
propaganda, and participate in your events
Identify potential champions among elected officials
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This effort is part of a non-partisan education
strategy to educate and engage candidates
Non-partisan means we do not endorse
candidates, fund candidate campaigns.
We are working to educate all candidates. We
have to remain non-partisan.
Invite one, invite all!
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Filing date is May 11
You will know likely suspects in your own
community because many have already
declared their intentions.
Matt can help us stay current on lists and how
to contact candidates.
Impact of term limits.
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7127-1633_8716---,00.html
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Bleeding heart liberal activist who will support
everything you say
Anti-government conservative who will argue
against everything you say
Quirkie candidate
The “I won’t tell you anything so you can’t
hold me accountable for what I said”
candidate
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The White Paper is the Guide Post
White Paper and your local briefing sheet is
your leave behind
You are briefing them as part of a
conversation
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Don’t worry. We have a script to guide you.
Don’t worry. These candidates are people
too.
Don’t worry. You are the local expert.
Don’t worry you are a constituent. Elected
officials work for you!
Don’t worry you have the facts.
Don’t worry. There will not be a test at the
end of this briefing!
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Review Sections
Read this aloud. Then find your own voice as
you practice.
Candidate Background Information
Record Responses
Script: Introductions and Background
Information
Ice breaker Question: Tell me about your
family
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Three parts. Suggestion- Color Code
These are questions. Take turns asking.
We assume that people who have not been
elected to the state legislature will likely have
minimal knowledge of these topics of brain
science, the Return on Investment (ROI)of
Early Childhood, and the ROI of Great Start.
Even currently elected legislators will have
mixed expertise with EC issues depending
upon what committees they sit on.
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This is not a question.
Suggestion: Tell a story
Candidates watch polls every day.
Talk about the number of parents in your GSC
Parent Coalition and how interested they are
in hearing from the candidate.
You represent a constituency of parents
voters.
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Present your local White Paper
We are your resource as you develop your
policies and position statement on Early
Childhood issues.
Tell a local story of something you have
learned about the needs of children in your
community.
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This is the chance for the candidate to tell
you more about what they have just heard,
ask you questions, and for you to offer help.
Don’t be afraid if they ask a question to say
“I’m sorry I am not the local expert on that,
but I will speak with our staff and follow-up
with you.”
If you promise follow-up, please deliver!
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You can do this!
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Teams of 3: Take turns being the Question
lead, note taker, backup
15-20 minutes
Remember this is a conversation!
Model
to the Group
Feedback
Questions
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Timeline: April – June
Set up appointments. See sample letter.
Call if you need help identifying candidates
After each appointment process the form
right away while it is fresh.
Return to Bryn at [email protected]
Do you need to recruit other parents to help
you conduct these interviews?
◦ Training options
◦ Let Bryn know what you need
Print out your own personal ballot!
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https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/
www.publius.org
For Kids
 www.kidsvoting.org
 http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/inde
pth/election2008.htm
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Election Book List
Horton Hears a Who, Dr. Seuss
Duck for President, Doreen Cronin. Scholastic
The Voice of the People: American Democracy in Action, Betsy and
Giulio Maestro.
D is for Democracy. Elissa Grodin. Sleeping Bear Press
House Mouse, Senate Mouse, Peter W. Barnes. VSP Books
Woodrow, the White House Mouse, Peter W. Barnes. VSP Books
Candidates, Campaigns, and Elections, Linda Scher & Mary Oates
Johnson. Scholastic (Great for Teachers)
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July 6th: Last day to register to vote for
August primary
August 3rd : State Primary for gubernatorial
and legislative candidates
October 4th : Last day to register before
November General Election
November 2nd: General Election! Vote with
Children in Mind!