HOW TO BECOME A MONTESSORI ADVOCATE
At VMA, advocacy work is done through ongoing communication and close collaboration with our membership base. That means you play a crucial role!
To contribute to Montessori advocacy efforts, we encourage you to:
Join and maintain VMA membership, and encourage others to do the same!
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Widespread association membership ensures that Virginia Montessorians are informed of issues and efforts and aware of how to contribute to policy responses. In addition, membership dues support advocacy work by funding VMA presence at hearings, meetings, and conferences that are essential to our work.
Don’t act alone, join the movement!
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Effective advocacy work requires that decision-makers hear coherent, streamlined messages regarding the needs of Montessori schools. Ideally, VMA should be recognized, and act, as the single point of contact when it comes to issues of public policy and public funding as they impact Virginia’s Montessori programs. Have a concern? A question? A need? We’re here for you.
Bring issues to our attention!
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Montessori educators, parents, and students know best which features of the policy and funding landscapes impact their programs and how. It is often the case that concerns are put on our radar by our membership base.
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Heard a rumor about a new policy coming down the pike? Let VMA know!
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A regulation making it hard for you to fully implement Montessori practice? Email us to schedule a meeting!
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Come across a helpful new funding opportunity that benefits programs, teachers, or families? Pass it along!
Attend our annual conference:
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Like-minded individuals and organizations will be there! Our conference is often where teams and initiatives take shape, and we want you involved, so come join us. The Montessori Public Policy Initiative’s annual conference is also a great place to learn about all things advocacy.
Get a seat at the table for Montessori:
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As a Montessorian, you have a lot to contribute to decision making and support of the broader movement for high quality, accessible, and equitable education. When we join larger change networks, we gain connections, access, and credibility that strengthen our community and highlight our needs. Consider service on the boards of local or state nonprofits or education task forces, or volunteering for other organizations that serve children and families.
Stay current on the news and research!
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Too often, Montessorians find themselves behind the curve, asking for waivers or exceptions to policies that have taken shape without participation and contributions from Montessori advocates. To correct this pattern, members of the Montessori community should stay up to date with news, trends, proposals, and ideas that are afloat in the general education, policy, and philanthropic worlds. See below for some concrete recommendations on how:
Resources to follow: