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

2.  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

3.  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

4.  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!

5.  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 http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7- 127-1633_8716---,00.html

6.  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

7.  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

8.  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!

9.  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

10.  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.

11.  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.

12.  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.

13.  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!

14.  You can do this!

15.  Teams of 3: Take turns being the Question lead, note taker, backup  15-20 minutes  Remember this is a conversation!

16.  Model to the Group  Feedback  Questions

17.  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.orgbfortune@ecic4kids.org  Do you need to recruit other parents to help you conduct these interviews? ◦ Training options ◦ Let Bryn know what you need

18. Print out your own personal ballot!  https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/ https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/  www.publius.org www.publius.org  For Kids  www.kidsvoting.org www.kidsvoting.org  http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/inde pth/election2008.htm http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/inde pth/election2008.htm

19.  Election Book List Horton Hears a Who, Dr. Seuss Duck for President, Doreen Cronin. Scholastic The Voice of the People: American Democracy in Action, Betsy and Giulio Maestro. D is for Democracy. Elissa Grodin. Sleeping Bear Press House Mouse, Senate Mouse, Peter W. Barnes. VSP Books Woodrow, the White House Mouse, Peter W. Barnes. VSP Books Candidates, Campaigns, and Elections, Linda Scher & Mary Oates Johnson. Scholastic (Great for Teachers)

20.  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!