School’s out for the summer, but Wednesday evening, that didn’t stop community members from gathering near the Latino Y Americano Center in Washington Square Mall to learn about education advocacy.
The organization MySchoolOptions hosted a discussion on the topic with grassroots activism expert Rachel Burgin.
Burgin is a former Florida legislator with experience effecting and maintaining change in education. She now works with Grassroots Leadership Academy.
"Most individuals are kind of intimidated about being involved in the political process and engaging their elected officials," Burgin said. "But the vast majority of them are there in public service because they want to be a public servant."
Burgin emphasized having a clear message and set of objectives, as well as building relationships with local lawmakers.
She suggested sending emails, thank-you notes, and event invitations to become a familiar face and name before the legislative session.
"I didn't think I could do all these great things just by calling, just by writing a letter," said Abraham Brown, a long-time teacher and education advocate who plans to share what he learned with fellow community leaders. "We can be part of a change."
MySchoolOptions works with communities throughout the state, and this event was part of the new Evansville Education Roundtable.