It's that time of year again when the state legislature convenes for the 2024 legislative session in Topeka. You might be thinking, "What does this have to do with me, a local school board member?" The truth is most board members didn't run for their position with a plan of advocating at the state or federal level. Your passion likely lies in tackling local issues and being boots on the ground for your community.
Despite this, school board members are in a perfect position to advocate for your community at a state or federal level. In your role, you understand district-level needs and challenges, and you have the power to build relationships with legislators who shape laws and policies. Like those state and federal legislators, you were elected to your position, and you hold the key to amplifying the voices of those who put their trust in you.
Below are some tips on how to build a solid working relationship with your legislators.
Sell the Brownie
When thinking about what to say to your legislator, it might help to think of the strategy of “selling the brownie, and not the ingredients.” When people go to the grocery store and buy brownie mix boxes, they make a purchase based on whatever company has made the brownies on the cover look the most delicious. They sell the brownie, the finished product. What they don’t do is sell the ingredients. Can you imagine a brownie box that shows a picture of flour and sugar and cocoa powder…and that’s it? That product probably wouldn’t sell very well.
When speaking with legislators, try to stay out of the weeds. In most cases, data and details don’t work to persuade someone. Use 1-2 short messages that are easy to repeat and remember, such as:
- 9 in 10 Kansas students graduate from high school.
- Kansas is preparing kids for the future. We’ve more than doubled the number of career credentials students earn before they graduate.
- In our community, our students earned $X in college scholarships, an all-time high.
- Our partnerships with local businesses equip kids with valuable real-world experience through internships and apprenticeships.
Find Common Ground
Leveraging a personal connection can help build familiarity and comfort in your relationship. Your legislators are often from the same area that they are serving, so it’s likely you can find a geographic or background connection. Finding common ground provides a foundation for constructive conversations.
Avoid Ultimatums
Adopt a collaborative approach rather than presenting ultimatums. We don’t have the same inside perspective that legislators do when it comes to the legislative session. There might be things working in the background that we are unaware of. Aggressive demands can hinder open communication. Seek compromises and create win-win situations to foster a positive working relationship.
Be Prepared
Don’t assume that legislators know everything happening in schools or that they understand your needs. Be prepared to explain what your district needs and why. You could also provide informational handouts that are concise and easy to read. This ensures they have the necessary information to make informed decisions.
Put in the Work During the Off-Season
Recognize that the legislative session is a busy and fast-paced 90 days. Attempting to build relationships during this period may not yield the best results. Instead, invest time throughout the year and during the off-season to establish trust. Be proactive in offering your assistance and insights. Aim to be the go-to person they call when they need information or have questions. Building trust takes time, and consistent effort throughout the year will position you as a reliable resource.
As a school board member, you have the power to enact real change by representing public schools at home, in Topeka and in Washington, D.C. If you are interested in learning more about advocacy, applications are currently open to join the KASB Advocacy Network (KAN), where you will have access to special briefings and exclusive information from the KASB Advocacy team. You can also tune into our daily live video updates on our Facebook page or read our weekly wrap-up email that will provide an overview of legislative updates each Friday during the session. Together, we can create positive changes that benefit our schools and communities.
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