Advocacy Tips: 101

We want to support Montessori education. We would like more and more children and families to experience the benefits and value of a Montessori education in both independent and public programs and schools. We want to protect "authentic" "high quality" "fully implemented" Montessori practice.

We all know the variety of opinions within our community. And how many of us have said to a perspective family something like "You know there is no trade mark on the name Montessori."

So where do we start?

1. Define your community: There is power in numbers when we try to influence rules and regulations, state agencies,  policy implementors and those who are crafting policy. In bringing together a group of colleagues, are you going to define standards for membership, are you going to be inclusive of anyone who is interested in Montessori? The who, what, and why of those in your community is a good starting point. ( See Suggested Guidelines for Montessori Groups- Resources and Action).

2. Do your homework: What are the issues that are of concern to your group? After discussion and consensus that respects and listens to everyone's opinion and really appreciates the collective wisdom and knowledge of your group, prioritize your goals.

3. Know your message:  State the problem, articulate your specific goal. Determine your "talking points" clearly, and concretely. "We want to practice authentic Montessori education" is not going to be understood in the same way as "We would like to discuss a variance in ratios and maximum group size for these reasons."

4. Establish a relationship: Determine the right person in the right department for your particular issue. This can take some real digging,  sometimes with referrals from person to person until you finally find the person who can actually have some influence on your issue. Schedule a meeting, ideally with a phone call, and plan to meet face to face at the time that is convenient for the person you are meeting with.

5. Be professional: Be considerate of this person's time. Be thoughtful about how you are going to approach them, maybe consider limiting the number of participants you bring based on the kind of meeting. Try to put yourself in this person's shoes. Most state agencies are understaffed, have limited financial resources, and have limited time frames to implement programs and policies.

6. Tell your story: Clearly, concisely and in language the person you are speaking with will understand. Here is what we are asking for, here the 3-4 reasons why, and here is a possible solution that we can provide in working with you.

7. Follow up:  Send a thank you note (remember grace and courtesy). Maybe suggest an invitation to visit your school to see Montessori education directly in action. Schedule the next time you will meet with a suggested action plan.

8. Communicate with your colleagues: Share what you have learned with your group, get them excited to join you. Network with other like minded groups and individuals. Expand your influence.

And for Tools, and Templates and work your fellow Montessorians are engaged in, visit Montessori Forward. Leave your comments, ideas, suggestions, and questions here. Join the List serve, like the MF Face Book page. Join in with the Montessori community.