Why This Matters & How You Can Advocate

These shifts in education policy, budget allocation, book access, school discipline, and school safety measures have direct consequences for students’ learning experiences. As parents, educators, and community members, we must advocate for an inclusive, well-rounded education that prioritizes student success, safety, and well-being.

✅ Attend school board meetings and ask questions about policy changes.
✅ Stay connected with teachers and librarians to understand how new book guidelines are being implemented.
✅ Speak up for special education programs to ensure students receive the support they need.
✅ Advocate for school meal funding to ensure no child goes hungry.
✅ Contact your local representatives and express your concerns about gun policies and corporal punishment in schools.

"The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack."
— American Library Association

Our students deserve an education that prepares them for the real world—not one that hides it from them. Let’s work together to ensure every child, regardless of their background or needs, has access to the knowledge, resources, and support they need to thrive.

Knowledge is power! Stay updated on education policies and how they affect students by following reliable sources such as:

• National Education Association (NEA)
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Education Policy
• Education Law Center

Your representatives need to hear from you! Reach out to local, state, and federal officials to express your concerns and demand action. You can find your representatives and their contact information here:

• U.S. Congress: www.congress.gov/members
• State Legislators: www.openstates.org

When contacting officials, be clear and direct about your concerns. Share personal stories and explain how these policies affect your family and community.

Several organizations are working tirelessly to protect students’ rights and advocate for equitable education. Consider donating or volunteering with:

• Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
• GLSEN (Supporting LGBTQ+ Students)
• Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK)

Decisions about education often happen at the local level. Attend school board meetings, join parent-teacher organizations (PTOs), and organize with community groups to advocate for policies that support all students.

Use your voice to spread awareness and rally others to take action. Share factual information, attend protests, sign petitions, and encourage others to get involved.

If you or your child are directly affected by these changes, legal organizations may be able to help.

• For Civil Rights Issues: NAACP Legal Defense Fund
• For Student & Educator Rights: Education Law Center
• For LGBTQ+ Student Protections: Lambda Legal

Education is a powerful tool for change, and together, we can work to ensure that all students have access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environments. Take action today!

The most important step in change is being the change. Educating children at home about their rights, teaching respect for diverse cultures and individuals, and leading by example in inclusion, kindness, and advocacy lay the foundation for a just and compassionate future. At Elysian Fields Academy, we believe that young minds shape the world ahead, and it is our responsibility to equip them with the values and knowledge to create the world they deserve.

• Teach Accurate History – Use resources like Learning for Justice and Facing History & Ourselves to explore diverse perspectives.
• Foster Conversations on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Read books that celebrate different cultures, discuss current events, and encourage critical thinking.
• Read Banned Books Together – Engage with books that have been challenged or banned and discuss their themes in age-appropriate ways, helping children understand different perspectives and the importance of free expression. Check out Banned Books Week for resources.
• Engage in Community Service – Volunteer together at local shelters, food banks, or advocacy groups to practice kindness in action.
• Encourage Independent Learning – Support curiosity by allowing children to explore topics that interest them, from social justice to science.
• Create a Learning Pod – Connect with like-minded families to form small, independent learning communities that share resources, discussions, and experiences.
• Explore Cultural Activities – Visit museums, attend cultural festivals, and cook meals from different traditions to broaden understanding.

By taking these steps in an age-appropriate way, we build a generation of informed, empathetic, and empowered individuals who will shape a more inclusive world.