Advocating for State Laws from Home: A Guide for Busy Parents

When you’re juggling parenting, a job with hourly shifts, and daily life responsibilities, it can feel nearly impossible to find the time to advocate for school choice — especially if the state capitol is miles away. However, you can still make a powerful impact right from your living room. Here are several strategies to help you become an effective advocate without leaving home.

Stay Informed and Organized with CEAM. A big part of what CEAM does, it spread the word an keep people up to date on school choice issues in Missouri. When you follow CEAM, you will receive action alerts that tell when and where to apply your advocacy skills.

• Subscribe to the CEAM newsletter.
• Follow CEAM social media channels.
• When you receive information that is time-sensitive, add the deadline to your calendar.

Use Digital Communication Tools. Cell phones put a world of information and communication at our fingertips. You can use these tools to advocate for more educational options in Missouri.

Emails, Letters and Phone Calls:

• Write personalized emails or letters to your state legislators. Tell your story to explain how the issues impact your family and community.
• Pro tip: hand written, personal notes, cards and letters get noticed! Include a photo of you and your family, too!
• Personalize CEAM example letters and email blasts to guide your messaging.
• Schedule a call with your elected leader(s) to share your story and concerns directly.

Social Media Advocacy:

• Engage with legislators on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. Share your personal story, tag your representatives, and use relevant hashtags to amplify your voice.
• Join CEAM online groups or webinars to meet like-minded parents who can support you and share best practices.

Virtual Meetings and Webinars:

• Attend K-12 virtual town halls and public hearings.
• If possible, schedule one-on-one video calls with your representatives or their aides to discuss your concerns directly.

Helpful Tips for Advocates. CEAM advocates have helped change education in Missouri already. Here’s some advice from our advocates:

Advocacy in Small Doses:

• Use pockets of time during the day—like lunch breaks or after the kids are in bed—to send out emails or update your advocacy group.
• Even a short, thoughtful message can make a difference if it’s part of a broader, sustained effort.

Personalize Your Message

• Share personal experiences that highlight the real-life impact of state policies on your family. Authentic stories resonate with legislators far more than abstract statistics.
• Include specific examples and, if you feel comfortable, photos or videos that illustrate your daily challenges and aspirations for change.

Call to Action

• Clearly state what you’re asking for. Help your legislator understand why a K-12 options will make a difference in your child’s life.  A clear call to action helps legislators understand your position.

Advocacy doesn’t always have to mean taking a day off from work or traveling long distances. With digital tools and a bit of organization, you can effectively advocate for state laws from home—even as a busy parent. Every message, email, and social media post can contribute to a larger movement for change. Remember, your voice matters, and by leveraging the power of technology, you can help shape K-12 choice policies that directly impact your community and your family’s future.