Creating a 2004 School Plan – A Manual
Get help from supportive community organizations
The decision by a high school to participate in Freedom’s
Answer – and even more the enthusiastic participation by the
students in Freedom’s Answer – will often serve as a
source of significant pride in the community.
To participate fully, schools and students alike will need help
from the local community, and you should not hesitate to ask. If
you ask politely and they understand what you are saying they will
probably want to help. In particular:
- The American Legion and the AARP are both enthusiastic supporters
of the program and therefore they will most likely welcome Freedom’s
Answer students seeking voter pledges at senior citizen centers
and veterans’ homes.
- The Republican and Democratic Parties, the National Conference
of State Legislatures, the League of Women Voters, the American
Bar Association, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses
are all official supporters of the program – so it is fully
appropriate for you to ask their endorsement and help with resources.
They might not be able to help, but you should not hesitate to
ask. Just be sure that what you ask of one party you ask of the
other. We are strictly non-partisan and they should understand
that.
- Some schools and student groups have had success in taking very
specific requests for help to local businesses. For example, any
local Kinko’s might be asked to reproduce enough copies
of the Take Ten form to satisfy your school’s needs. (The
worst that can happen is they say no.)
- Other community groups (Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis,
etc.) might want to have a student presentation at one of their
meetings about the program – and even support a request
for some financial support to underwrite your local costs of implementing
the program. Be sure you are specific about how the funds would
be used (printing of forms, Freedom’s Answer hats for Election
Day identification outside the polls, etc.).
- Local media love local stories of students doing innovative
things. Give them the opportunity to cover your rallies, your
asking for pledges, your thanking voters at the polls. They’ll
be there if you give them notice of what is happening. (Sample
press releases coming soon!)
- Candidates for office might be invited to the school to hold
a debate or make a presentation. Statewide candidates might be
asked to participate in a Freedom’s Answer debate –
with students asking the questions. Don’t underestimate
the attraction to campaigns of programs that can attract both
media and the attention of parents as well as future voters.
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