Push for Legislation
Find the right time
You can advocate at any time, but you can be more effective with good planning. It’s also best to work as a group – find other students who are interested in working on these issues and teachers who may be willing to support or advise you. Then find the right time to take action. Are there bills being considered that you support or oppose? Find any active bills on this website. Once legislation starts to move, it’s important to weigh in. If legislation isn’t moving, you can plan around two important months – April is Financial Literacy Month and October is Economic Education Month. Look for resources put out around then that you can use to advocate.
Identify the right audience
You can talk to any elected officials, but it is important to identify the most impactful people in your community and state. Who sets most curriculum decisions in your state – the state or district? You will be most effective if you target the correct level of government. If curriculum decisions are made at the state level, connect with your state superintendent or chief state school officer (find them through CCSSO). If they’re at the local level, try to work with your district superintendent. Don’t forget to also consider contacting your state treasurer’s office – they often take the lead on financial education and can have an influential voice (find them through NAST). State legislators write and vote on state laws. They should be included in any advocacy campaign where they can introduce, support, or oppose legislation. Find their contact information at OpenStates.org. You should be able to find a way to contact them through their website.
Arrange the right data
Using appropriate data can be very powerful. If you are advocating for a change in your district or state, look up how many students would be impacted – how many students are there in the state (that information is available here)? What are the demographics of the students who would be impacted (information is available by race and poverty level)? This data will help you paint a picture of who your proposed policy would impact.
Use CEE’s resources to make the case for personal finance and economics education in your district and state. Use the 2022 Survey of the States to show how your state compares to other states in requirements and access to these courses. Use our research and impact page to find studies that illustrate the value and necessity of teaching economics and personal finance.
