Membership
Professional Learning
Partnerships
⚙️ Systems Thinking 💻 Virtual 🆓 Free
The goal of the GOKey Communicators program is to bring together community members who are passionate about public education and want to make a difference in the lives of students in their communities. GOKey Communicators regularly contact regional legislators about:
the impact of proposed legislation on students in their communities
the importance of public education
the good things that are happening in their schools
For those committed to serving as GOKey Communicators, GOCSD provides training and a community of support.
There is a need to build relationships with legislators and work together for the betterment of our students, even when there may be some disagreement.
Dialogue with legislators is more fruitful when led by engaged community members, as opposed to school administrators. Some legislators harbor negative perceptions about school leaders, which can result in the needs of students going unheard.
It is important to be informed about legislators' perceptions of public education and the pertinent legislative issues in the state and region as the legislative session begins in January.
GOKey Communicators can become a vital link between the educational community and those shaping legislative decisions.
This program provides the opportunity to stay connected, stay informed, and make a lasting impact on public education.
GOKey Communicators are local community members, parents, retired educators, current educators, and preservice teachers who are interested in advocating for public education and the needs of students in their communities. District administrators are encouraged to participate to stay informed and connected with the work.
District administrators identify potential candidates to serve as GOKey Communicators, share this webpage with them, and encourage them to register.
District administrators register themselves in order to get the link to join the virtual sessions and be included in all communications.
If you are a school leader, educator or a community member invited by a district administrator, please use the button below to register if you wish to participate. If you have already served as a GOKey Communicator and wish to serve again this school year, you will need to register.
For those GOCSD Members who wish to participate, we organize free training and on-going support and opportunities to connect with legislators. The GOKey Communicators program provides participants with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to advocate for students in their communities and public education. The program includes 3 components: Onboarding, Check-ins, and Jefferson City Field Trips.
This Onboarding session provides everything needed to get started as a GOKey Communicator.
Jan 24, 2024
4:30-6:30 PM
Virtual
Free for Members
During the Onboarding session participants will:
Gain an understanding of the GOKey Communicators program
Learn how to connect and build relationships with legislators
Be updated on critical legislative issues affecting our state and region
Learn how to effectively communicate with legislators
This session will also be recorded and available in our on-demand catalog.
Participants will be invited to virtual bimonthly Check-in sessions to provide ongoing support.
2x a month Feb - May
Dates to be determined
4:30-5 PM
Virtual
Free for Members
During Check-ins sessions participants will:
Share their advocacy experiences
Tackle challenges collaboratively
Receive real-time updates on legislative matters
In the spring a Jefferson City Field Trip will be organized to provide the opportunity for participants to meet with legislators in person.
March 27, 2024
If you are a school leader, educator or a community member invited by a district leader, please use the button below to register if you wish to participate. If you have already served as a GOKey Communicator and wish to serve again this school year, you will need to register.
To advocate for Public Education at the local, state and national levels, GOCSD is providing members many opportunities to showcase what it means to be Public Education Proud (PEP). The Public Education Proud efforts includes: Teacher Proud Campaign, GOKey Communicators Program, and the Public School Proud Bulletin.