1. Step Up: Tell Your Story Change the Narrative
Supplies:
Sign In Sheet
Training Prepared by WTU COPE Members
2017

2. Why Tell Your Story? Get your voice heard by key decision makers
Put your story in the public record
Shine a light on the truth that only those in the classroom really know
Stand up and advocate for yourself, your students and our community
Why Tell Your Story?

3. You are protected by the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
If DCPS illegally attempts to retaliate, document all incidents and report it to the WTU
There is power in NUMBERS – once others have heard your story they can fight alongside you!
Do I need to worry?

4. Dealing with Principals
If possible, talk informally to your principal and let them know:
You are advocating FOR the students and the school
You understand that a lot of what you are saying is out of their control and coming from DCPS Central (even if it isn’t…)
If there is something that they want added you will do your best and keep their name out
Dealing with Principals

5. This worksheet provides a basic outline for your testimony
Once completed use it as a guide to type up your testimony
The most effective testimonies come from the heart, so tell your story in the way you think is best!
Using This Sheet

6. Writing Your Story

7. You are the expert You have lived the budget cuts
You know the truth about what goes on when our schools don’t have enough funding
You see how funding affect our kids
Only you can counteract the narrative that DCPS spins
You are the expert

8. Local Schools are facing extreme budget pressures leading to staffing cuts:
Employee’s price increased by 4,000 each.
At-Risk Funds are being used to supplant the general education funds instead of supplementing the students who need it.
Unfunded Mandates (like LEAP) have forced schools to do more with less.
What issues do you want to address?
Budget Cuts

9. Find out about your school!
Go to:
Find out about your school!

10. Timeline & Opportunities
Stages of DC Budget Development
When
Advocacy Opportunity
Budget Instructions Issued to Agencies
Fall 2016
Office of Budget and Planning Finalized Agencies Budgets
Winter 2016
DCPS Budgets are Finalized and Submitted as Part of Mayor’s Budget
February 2017
Performance and Oversight Hearings for All Agencies
Mayor’s Budget Proposal Released
April 2017
Council Hearings on Proposed Agency Budgets
April – May 2017
Council Budget Mark-up Hearings, Two Budget Votes
May – June 2017
Timeline & Opportunities

11. You do not need to have THE answer, but you must provide what you want to see happen as a result of this story
What could your school do if you had more money?
How would that benefit our students?
Remedy

12. Telling Your Story

13. Find others who can address different elements of your issue
Parents, Students, Community Organizations, etc.
Tell them what you are doing and why, see if you can get them to join you!
Create common THEMES so that your story does not get repetitive but still addresses the same issues
Power in Numbers

14. Allies Parent-Teacher Organizations Other Educators Students
Community Organizations & Nonprofits
i.e., DC Fiscal Policy Institute
Civic Organizations
ANCs, Local Education Councils, etc.
We can help you find the allies online
Allies

15. Testimony Individuals get 3 minutes 2-2.5 pages long
Elected Officials and Groups of up to 4 get 5 minutes
3-3.5 pages long
If possible print out 10 copies in advance
If you can’t make it you can submit directly via or mail
Testimony

16. Email anything you do to dialogue@wtulocal6
anything you do to to tell the WTU about your action
Tweet portions of what you write and tag affected parties
Post what you’ve written to Facebook
Other?
Social Media

17. DC Council Hearing Sign Up now!
DC Council Budget Hearing
Thursday, April 27th at 10AM or 5PM
Room 500 Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
DC Council Hearing Sign Up now!