Imagine a packed gymnasium. Two teams are battling it out. One team, representing well-funded special interests, is pushing for policies that drain resources from our public schools. The other team, made up of parents, teachers, and community members, is fighting for the future of our children. This isn’t a game; it’s the reality of education advocacy in Texas. It’s a contact sport, and we can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. We often hear the phrase “thoughts and prayers” in the wake of tragedy. While well-intentioned, it highlights a critical flaw in how we approach change: we think our way to a better future when in reality, advocacy is a contact sport. It’s not enough to believe in something. Real change, the kind that impacts lives, requires action, diligence, and yes, even courage. And nowhere is this truer than in the current battleground over public education in Texas.

Right now, our public schools are facing an existential threat: the rise of the school choice movement. While the rhetoric often focuses on “parental rights” and “competition,” the reality is far more complex. Vouchers, tax credits, and education savings accounts siphon vital resources away from public schools, weakening them and ultimately harming the vast majority of Texas children. These aren’t abstract concepts; they have real-world consequences. They mean larger class sizes, fewer teachers, and diminished opportunities for students, particularly in underserved communities. The opposing team often uses tricky plays. They use crafty language, sprinkled with emotional appeals, to try and sway the crowd. They try to frame the narrative to their advantage, making it seem like they’re the underdogs, even when they’re backed by powerful lobbies.

We can’t just sit back and hope things will magically improve. We can’t just think that public education is important. We have to act. This isn’t a game for spectators; it’s time to get in the arena.

So, how do we get in the game? What does “contact” advocacy look like in the fight for Texas public schools?

• Show Up: Get in the Arena! Attending school board meetings is like showing up for the big game. It’s where the plays are called and the decisions are made. Your presence matters. Your voice matters.
• Know the Game Plan: Understanding the complexities of school choice is like studying your opponent’s playbook. You need to know their strengths and weaknesses to effectively counter their moves. Don’t just rely on sound bites. Dig deep. Research the data. Understand the funding mechanisms and the long-term consequences of these policies. In this game, knowledge is power.
• Demand Transparency: Challenge the Calls! Don’t let misleading rhetoric go unchallenged. Demand clear, unbiased information from elected officials. Ask tough questions about the funding mechanisms of school choice programs and the long-term consequences for public schools. Be the referee, calling out unfair plays.
• Contact Your Representatives: Make the Pass! Reaching out to your representatives is like making a strategic pass to a key player. Your voice is the ball, and you need to get it to the people who can influence the outcome. Don’t underestimate the power of a phone call, email, or letter. These are direct plays that can make a real difference.
• Join the Team: Build Your Roster! In a contact sport like this, you can’t go it alone. Connecting with local advocacy groups and parent organizations is like joining a team of dedicated players. There’s strength in numbers, and together, you can amplify your voice and make a bigger impact. Find your teammates and get in the game!
• Be Courageous: Play to Win! Speaking out can be intimidating, especially when facing well-funded opposition. But remember, you’re fighting for the future of our children. Don’t be afraid to challenge misinformation and stand up for what you believe in. This is a tough game, but your courage can make all the difference.

The future of Texas depends on the quality of its public education system. We can’t afford to be passive observers. We need to be active participants in this fight. The future of Texas education isn’t decided in quiet boardrooms; it’s won through hard-fought battles in the arena of public opinion. It’s a contact sport, and every Texan has a role to play. Get in the game. Our kids are counting on us.