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Grassroots Advocacy
A Message
Fellow School Business Officials:
Emerson said that “difficulties exist in order to be surmounted.” Surely, making an impact on our dysfunctional state government (both the Governor and the State Legislature) seems to be an insurmountable task. However, through your support of the grassroots effort we on the Government Relations Committee believe that NYSASBO can have an impact on the current critical issues in school finance.
Great things are accomplished by a series of small things brought together. WE NEED YOU. We hope you will join our grassroots effort to promote sound management of our educational resources. We believe that through the Association’s advocacy efforts school business officials will be viewed as key players in shaping public policy for the benefit of public education.
Our combined efforts to impact these critical school finance decisions can indeed make the difference in the quality of education for all the children in New York State.
Joan L. Colvin, Ed. D. Government Relations Chairperson, 2004-2006
Susan L. Villiers, NYSRSBA, President, NYSASBO, 2004-2005
“If not now, when? If not us, who?"
NYSASBO believes the time is now for school business officials to make their voices heard at the local level all across the state. In the wake of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity court case, concern about the future of education in New York State is greater than ever. Add to that the Brennan Center report calling the State Legislature the “most dysfunctional” in the nation and there emerges a very real sense that dramatic change could be on the horizon in Albany. Whether positive change actually materializes depends on the persistence of dedicated people determined to make a difference for all of New York’s children. While NYSASBO, on the State level, continues to press forward, meeting or speaking with policy-makers about the issues almost everyday, it is still imperative that school business officials across the State speak out. The more voices the better!
“Why will policy-makers listen to me?”
Thomas “Tip” O’Neill, the late Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, once said, “All politics is local.” Politicians know that what happens in our communities and our local institutions has the most direct and immediate impact on people. But they have no way of knowing what that impact is unless we speak out. Remember, you really do have something valuable to offer:
- You are an expert in school business management and can offer insights regarding education policy development.
- You represent a local school district and can provide important information about the concerns unique to your legislative district.
- You are a member of NYSASBO, a recognized professional association representing business officials in nearly every New York school district.
- You are a constituent, elected officials are concerned about your vote.
“What can I do?”
NYSASBO can help you be an advocate for sound education policy for the benefit of all of New York’s children. There are many things you can do, including:
- Fostering and maintaining a mutually informative relationship with elected officials.
- Inviting legislators to visit your school district, speak at a meeting sponsored by your district or chapter, and/or meet with your board
- Staying current on important education management and finance issues, particularly those issues on the NYSASBO government relation’s agenda.
To assist members, NYSASBO offers The Reporter and The Reporter NewsWire, which provide news and analysis of the issues impacting school district management and finance. The on-line edition of The Reporter includes not only articles from the print edition, but also daily headlines from New York State's major newspapers, and an archive of all newswires.
NYSASBO also provides links to legislation it is currently monitoring and a listing of up-coming public policy events for those who may wish to attend.
- Responding to NYSASBO and your chapter requests to write, fax, e-mail, and call your local state legislator.
To assist, NYSASBO offers an on-line form you can use to find the address, phone number, and e-mail address for your local legislator.
- Encouraging other local school business officials and members of the public to join NYSASBO’s grassroots efforts.
- Letting NYSASBO know about the issues important to your school district.
NYSASBO has an on-line form you can use to let us know about the issues impacting your district. NYSASBO will use the information you provide to review its public policy agenda and develop positions on the issues.
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