As my colleague and I made our way north on I-95 to Washington, D.C. a couple of weeks ago, we attempted to outline our participant messaging and goals for the retreat we were leading: an annual trip for our NC Education Policy Fellows focused on federal policy and advocacy. We aimed to deepen policy knowledge, build confidence in advocacy skills, inspire action, and be… realistic.
How? How could we possibly ask 80+ educators, principals, district administrators, researchers, and education leaders from across North Carolina to enter the current environment in D.C.? In an environment described to us by folks on the Hill as simultaneously “chaotic” and “grim”? Could we really ask our fellows to take on this additional responsibility as they had already been grappling with chaos from Washington, on top of the day-to-day work that extends far beyond a 9-5 job, all while earning 5% less on average than they did 10 years ago?
Our retreat kicked off with an inside look into advocacy on Capitol Hill, followed by a whirlwind federal education policy updates and a formidable Congressional Simulation. Between sessions, we challenged them to meet with other fellows from their NC Congressional Districts to prepare talking points and policy asks for meetings with their representatives. It was exhilarating, insightful, and exhausting. We broke for the day with a game plan, and our groups were as prepared as possible, but still uncertain of the environment we’d be entering on the Hill following day.
We arrived at Capitol Hill to find, remarkably, business as usual. Reassuringly, offices were buzzing with activity as they always are. We watched from the galleries in both the House and the Senate chambers as lawmakers debated legislation, asked important questions, and held each other accountable. We witnessed votes that crossed party lines and respectful interactions during contentious conversations. And as it turns out, our fellows were more than ready to meet the challenge we set before them. They were equipped not only with weeks of preparation and advocacy tools, but with the certainty that our students deserve better and that they could be a part of making that change happen.
The Public School Forum is, and always has been, nonpartisan. Our Education Policy Fellowship (EPFP) draws education leaders from across school and work settings, races and genders, political identities, and backgrounds. But we all share one bias: we believe in the fundamental value of public education and the central role it plays in our society.
This is a powerful and unifying thread. And countless conversations in D.C. proved that it is a thread that can still unite across political divides. Our fellows heard, time and again, that our public schools are essential for communities across North Carolina. They received gratitude for the work that they are doing. They heard things like:
- “Wow. I had no idea that this [law] would cause students to lose resources. That’s not what I meant to happen.”
- “I would love to come see what that [program] looks like in an actual school. Can I come visit your classroom?”
- “We share the belief that all students deserve a safe place to learn.”
- “How can I help you and your school?”
Our democratic process requires real insights and expertise from real constituents. Our policymakers do not– and cannot– know everything about the issues that matter to us. That’s where we come in: we help them cut through the noise and make decisions that we know are best for our communities.
Lawmakers need to hear from us now, more than ever. Here are a few things you can do right now to get involved:
- Find out who represents you– both on the state and federal levels. Congress is in session now, debating critical legislation and funding that will affect our schools. And our NC General Assembly will be back in session in April, with critical budget decisions hanging in the balance.
- Reach out to your representatives by phone or email, or even in person. You don’t need an agenda– consider starting with an introduction. Great advocacy starts with relationships.
- Go vote. Early voting for the 2026 primary elections lasts until February 28, and election day is March 3. There are many critical races for education– make your voice heard.
You have a voice, and someone wants to hear you use it. More importantly, our children need you to use it in service of thriving students, thriving communities, and a thriving North Carolina.
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