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Building Bridges: How to Connect with Your Legislators and Make Your Voice Heard
Advocacy doesn't have to be intimidating! Join VP of Advocacy Angelee Aedo and Immediate Past President Corey Fairholm as they break down practical ways to engage with legislators during Utah's interim session. Learn why NOW is the critical time to build relationships, how to attend committee meetings (in-person or online), and simple strategies to invite legislators into your school community. From reading to students to attending bike parades, discover how small actions create big impact. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned volunteer, this episode empowers you to step out of your comfort zone and advocate for every child.
Utah PTA Mission: To make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
Key Points
- Interim session (now through November) is when the real legislative work happens - bills are written, discussed, and shaped before the January session
- Legislators are regular people - they have other jobs and want to hear from constituents
- Start building relationships NOW - text, email, or attend town halls to open dialogue before the busy session
- Invite legislators to your school - ask them to read to classes, attend assemblies, walk to school with kids, or observe lunch
- Attend interim committee meetings - available online and in-person at le.utah.gov
- Find your legislator - visit le.utah.gov to identify your representatives and access their contact information
Takeaways
✓ Always thank legislators for their service when reaching out ✓ Be specific about concerns - reference particular bill sections, not just emotions ✓ Keep inviting legislators even if they decline - persistence shows importance ✓ Every school should have an advocacy person - maybe that's you! ✓ Start local: city council, school board, and mayor are great places to practice advocacy ✓ PTA celebrates 100 years of advocacy - still fighting for clean water, school safety, and child welfare ✓ You don't need to agree on everything to build a productive relationship ✓ "Be less afraid" - step slightly outside your comfort zone this year
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By Utah PTAAdvocacy doesn't have to be intimidating! Join VP of Advocacy Angelee Aedo and Immediate Past President Corey Fairholm as they break down practical ways to engage with legislators during Utah's interim session. Learn why NOW is the critical time to build relationships, how to attend committee meetings (in-person or online), and simple strategies to invite legislators into your school community. From reading to students to attending bike parades, discover how small actions create big impact. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned volunteer, this episode empowers you to step out of your comfort zone and advocate for every child.
Utah PTA Mission: To make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
Key Points
- Interim session (now through November) is when the real legislative work happens - bills are written, discussed, and shaped before the January session
- Legislators are regular people - they have other jobs and want to hear from constituents
- Start building relationships NOW - text, email, or attend town halls to open dialogue before the busy session
- Invite legislators to your school - ask them to read to classes, attend assemblies, walk to school with kids, or observe lunch
- Attend interim committee meetings - available online and in-person at le.utah.gov
- Find your legislator - visit le.utah.gov to identify your representatives and access their contact information
Takeaways
✓ Always thank legislators for their service when reaching out ✓ Be specific about concerns - reference particular bill sections, not just emotions ✓ Keep inviting legislators even if they decline - persistence shows importance ✓ Every school should have an advocacy person - maybe that's you! ✓ Start local: city council, school board, and mayor are great places to practice advocacy ✓ PTA celebrates 100 years of advocacy - still fighting for clean water, school safety, and child welfare ✓ You don't need to agree on everything to build a productive relationship ✓ "Be less afraid" - step slightly outside your comfort zone this year