Steps to Becoming an Effective Advocate at the Local Level

1. Get to know and communicate regularly with teachers interested in gifted and talented education, your school principal, your GATE program coordinator, and familiarize yourself with the program guidelines and any new laws affecting gifted education and parents of gifted students.
2. Become an active participant at the school site by attending meetings, serving on the school-site council, GATE advisory commitee, or PTA.
3. Form or join an advocacy group.
4. Become aware of the duties and responsabilities of your local Board of Education and how they are implemented.
5. Become and advocate with the local Board of education.
6. Encourage other community members to become involved. Lobby your local officials.
7. Use appropriate websites to stay current with local legislative information and action.

Author: California Association for the Gifted