Michele Strasz, MIAAP, Program Director, Reach Out and Read MI, mtstrasz@aol.com

Why are we focused on candidate education?

Who are the candidates? What is our message? How do we brief/interview candidates? Practice Role Model Next Steps

Let them know who you are part of an active parent constituency as a parent advocate and member of the GSC Parent Coalition.

Educate candidates for state house and senate about early childhood issues

Begin a dialogue with candidates between the GSC and ECIC as a trusted resource on EC

Foster partnerships between elected officials and their constituents on EC

Encourage candidates to include EC in their speeches, propaganda, and participate in your events

Identify potential champions among elected officials

This effort is part of a non-partisan education strategy to educate and engage candidates

Non-partisan means we do not endorse candidates, fund candidate campaigns.

We are working to educate all candidates. We have to remain non-partisan.

Invite one, invite all!

Filing date is May 11 You will know likely suspects in your own

community because many have already declared their intentions.

Matt can help us stay current on lists and how to contact candidates.

Impact of term limits. http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-

1633_8716---,00.html

Bleeding heart liberal activist who will support everything you say

Anti-government conservative who will argue against everything you say

Quirkie candidate The “I won’t tell you anything so you can’t

hold me accountable for what I said” candidate

The White Paper is the Guide Post White Paper and your local briefing sheet is

your leave behind You are briefing them as part of a

conversation

Don’t worry. We have a script to guide you. Don’t worry. These candidates are people

too. Don’t worry. You are the local expert. Don’t worry you are a constituent. Elected

officials work for you! Don’t worry you have the facts. Don’t worry. There will not be a test at the

end of this briefing!

Review Sections Read this aloud. Then find your own voice

as you practice. Candidate Background Information Record Responses Script: Introductions and Background

Information Ice breaker Question: Tell me about your

family

Three parts. Suggestion- Color Code These are questions. Take turns asking. We assume that people who have not been

elected to the state legislature will likely have minimal knowledge of these topics of brain science, the Return on Investment (ROI)of Early Childhood, and the ROI of Great Start.

Even currently elected legislators will have mixed expertise with EC issues depending upon what committees they sit on.

This is not a question. Suggestion: Tell a story Candidates watch polls every day. Talk about the number of parents in your

GSC Parent Coalition and how interested they are in hearing from the candidate.

You represent a constituency of parents voters.

Present your local White Paper We are your resource as you develop your

policies and position statement on Early Childhood issues.

Tell a local story of something you have learned about the needs of children in your community.

This is the chance for the candidate to tell you more about what they have just heard, ask you questions, and for you to offer help.

Don’t be afraid if they ask a question to say “I’m sorry I am not the local expert on that,

but I will speak with our staff and follow-up with you.”

If you promise follow-up, please deliver!

You can do this!

Teams of 3: Take turns being the Question lead, note taker, backup

15-20 minutes Remember this is a conversation!

Model to the GroupFeedbackQuestions

Timeline: April – June Set up appointments. See sample letter. Call if you need help identifying candidates After each appointment process the form

right away while it is fresh. Return to Bryn at bfortune@ecic4kids.org Do you need to recruit other parents to help

you conduct these interviews?◦ Training options◦ Let Bryn know what you need

Print out your own personal ballot!

https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/ www.publius.org For Kids

www.kidsvoting.org http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/

indepth/election2008.htm

Election Book List

Horton Hears a Who, Dr. SeussDuck for President, Doreen Cronin. ScholasticThe Voice of the People: American Democracy in Action,

Betsy and Giulio Maestro. D is for Democracy. Elissa Grodin. Sleeping Bear PressHouse Mouse, Senate Mouse, Peter W. Barnes. VSP BooksWoodrow, the White House Mouse, Peter W. Barnes. VSP BooksCandidates, Campaigns, and Elections, Linda Scher & Mary

Oates Johnson. Scholastic (Great for Teachers)

 July 6th: Last day to register to vote for August primary

August 3rd : State Primary for gubernatorial and legislative candidates

October 4th : Last day to register before November General Election

November 2nd: General Election! Vote with Children in Mind!