Toolkit for Protecting Your School Board from Members Who Support Book-Banning and Curriculum Censorship, and Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies
Download the full toolkit HERE.
Step #1 – Educate yourself.
- Find a list of resources HERE.
- Attend school board meetings in your local district(s) and complete the School Board Meeting Checklist which can be found HERE.
Step #2 – Seek out qualified candidates to run for open seats, or to challenge regressive members.*
- Make note of school board meeting speakers who share AAUW’s values.
- Seek referrals.
- Talk to members from your district PTA.
- Talk to current board members.
- Talk to local politicians you may have a relationship with.
- Talk to like-minded friends who are in other community organizations.
- Once you have identified a potential candidate, approach them to gauge interest. You may find a sample “solicitation” speech HERE.
Step #3 – If your potential candidate decides to run, support their campaign.*
- Request your branch board to agree to endorse the candidate; post on your branch’s website.
- Help your candidate become known in your community.
- Host a meet-and-greet in your home (as an individual, not as an AAUW member).
- Post social media messages of support (to be provided by the state Public Policy Committee).
- Volunteer to work on their campaign.
- Walk precincts.
- Distribute flyers.
Step #4 – Speak out at school board meetings.
- You can find a sample script HERE.
Step #5 – Keep your School Board Project liaison updated on your actions.
- You can find your liaison HERE.
- Items to report:
- Name, contact information (phone, email) of potential candidate, school district
- Activities completed in support of candidate
- Attendance at school board meeting
- Attach copy of completed School Board Meeting Checklist.
*You can find information about the authority for engaging in these activities HERE.