Parent Advocacy Group Making A Difference At The Capitol

By Sherri Brown, PLAC

How might a group of knowledgeable, positive, passionate parents advocating at the Capitol impact your school district?

Could your own parents tell the positive stories of the great things happening and the continued needs of your district in a way that makes a difference with legislators and the general public?

If so, you might consider starting your own local organization of the Oklahoma Parent Legislative Action Committee (OKPLAC). Formed just two years ago, this organization, currently with 13 local PLACs, made a big difference in the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions, and we look forward to growing this public school advocacy organization across the state.

OKPLAC is a nonpartisan organization of passionate, volunteer advocates committed to promoting public policies that protect, support and strengthen the public school system in the State of Oklahoma. OKPLAC serves as an umbrella organization of local PLAC groups that join together to have a greater impact on decisions effecting PK-12 education.

Each year, the OKPLAC develops legislative goals that all of the local groups will support. Other issues important to local groups may also be pursued by local affiliates. Throughout the session, the legislative committee will:

■ track the bills that pertain to our stated goals,

■ create talking points for advocates to use in communicating with legislators and

■ go to the Capitol to meet with legislators and build relationships.

February 22-26 is Public Schools Week this year where we will tell positive stories about why public schools are parents’ first choice. We will host a statewide Capitol Day in April, and in the summer, we will have a statewide advocacy conference if public gatherings are possible. Local PLAC groups also may host local meetings to help educate their communities and advocates and hear from legislators. Local groups often schedule their own Capitol Days as well. OKPLAC organizations do not endorse candidates, but may hold town hall meetings to hear from candidates and conduct voter registration drives.

We always include the superintendent in the forming of new local groups. If you are interested in starting a PLAC group in your district or area, please email us at okplac@gmail.com. For more information, visit our website at www.okplac.org and follow us on Facebook at OKLAPLAC. ■