Advocates Must Remain Alert

A little girl who was a very picky eater was allowed to eat dinner watching television in hopes she wouldn’t notice there were mushrooms in the rice (added without remembering that usually her portion was set aside before mushrooms were added), but she noticed. When asked how she detected the not-wanted addition to the rice, her remark was “picky eaters must remain alert.” The same admonition is important for advocates – as advocates for any cause, we must remain alert!

Advocacy is speaking out for something, and the “something” in this message is gifted education. During the winter months, legislators are meeting in most states, so it is important to remain alert to stay abreast of what is proposed in bills and the budget. Changes happen quickly, so stay aware.

One way to stay informed during a legislative session is to be a member of the state gifted organization. The goals of these organizations are focused on education and advocacy. The organizations have websites and communications to alert members of when it is time to speak out to representatives, senators, governors, and other decision-makers.

Of course, it is best to have talked with legislators representing your zip code prior to being called to take action. Introduce yourself to your legislators at meetings they hold to share news about the legislative session. Invite your legislators to have coffee with you and friends with interest in gifted education; this invitation is often best issued before the legislative session begins. Write a letter to introduce yourself (an email can be deleted if your name isn’t familiar) highlighting your interest in gifted education. Meet with the legislative aide in the local office to share your message. Remember, the legislators represent voters in your area, so they are interested in knowing you.

When the message reaches you to contact your legislators about a budget request or to support or not support a specific bill, don’t hesitate to take that step and call or write. Numbers matter in advocacy. Many calls make a difference. Know that someone in the legislators’ offices is receiving information about the number of calls received on a specific request. Contacts matter, and it isn’t wise to assume someone else is taking the requested action.

Advocating for gifted education is the responsibility of parents, citizens, and educators who believe all students have the right to learn every day they are in school. It is so important to recognize that gifted children constitute a category of exceptional children in Kentucky and in other states. Gifted advocates must remain alert – and take action!