Whether you have school age children or not, there is no doubt that the Oklahoma Teacher Walk Out has touched you in some way. Many people have stepped up to get involved and as the walk out continues, the needs will continue to grow.
Here are 7 ways you can get involved:
Prayer
As Christians, we believe in the power of prayer to an almighty God who loves each of us and cares about every issue in our lives. Here are a few ways we can pray regardless of our personal stance on this issue.
* Pray for God to move in the hearts of teachers and the legislature to come to a timely and reasonable solution.
* Pray for a bridled tongue and a heart of compassion and love when talking to others.
* Pray for wisdom and discernment for how you can help those within your circle of influence as they navigate this crisis.
Contact Your State Legislator
Let your State Legislator know your position on the issues. Find your legislator at http://www.oklegislature.gov/FindMyLegislature.aspx.
* Do background research, using reliable sources, before firing off an email with your position — it’s difficult to effectively argue an issue with incomplete or incorrect facts.
* You can often use your elected officials’ official websites to sign up for email newsletters and other updates. You may also want to follow them on social media and comment directly on their posts.
* Phone calls from constituents are often more effective than emails because emails are depersonalized and easily ignored amid other overwhelming requests for contact.
Volunteer
There are many agencies involved in providing meals and day care for school age children during the walk out. If you would like to volunteer your time and talents, here are a few places to get you started.
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Disaster Relief Feeding Unit
Support your Teacher
There are always many sides to an issue and not everyone will share the same position on the Fight for Education. For those who choose to support your teacher while they walk for education, here is something you can do locally.
Many teachers who do not go to the capital are making their voices heard at various locations around the area. Support their efforts by taking them a beverage or a meal while they #WalkForEducation. Maybe even stand with them.
Social Media
Show your support on social media by posting your comments/thoughts and pictures and don’t forget to use these hashtags: #OklaEd #OklahomaTeachers #TeacherWalkOut #OklaEdWalkOut #OKwalk4kids #FundOurKids #FundOkEd #thetimeisnow
Keep Their Minds Sharp
Read to or with your children every day. Take them outside to play (or to an indoor playground) to exercise their bodies and have social interaction.
For the Working Parent(s)
Many sites are open to distribute free breakfast and lunch to children 5 – 18 years old. Many sites offer Free Day Care for school age children 5 – 12 years old. For more information, see our Resource Guide.
Register your child for FREE Day Camp at Eastwood Tulsa located off 11th Street between Mingo and Memorial in East Tulsa here. Available for children 5 – 12 years old.
Volunteer to Monitor State Testing
The Oklahoma State Department of Education has graciously extended the testing window by one week to give students an appropriate transition back into the classroom. Test monitors are always needed. Get involved by volunteering your time to be a test monitor for your local school.
For information from the OSDE on how the extension affects specific tests, click here: http://bit.ly/OKRevisedTesting
How are you getting involved? Let us hear from you in the comments below.
