Do You Get It? How to make a difference

As I participated in the board meetings on November 16 and 17, I realized lots of people want change, or want our leaders to do things differently. There's so much energy out there, it'd be great if we could focus it on making a difference. Here's how:

1. Get informed
   Learn what the issues are and seek out accurate information on the issues you care about. Visit the 4J web site, Stand for Children, Project VoteSmart, Chalkboard Project, the Open Books Project, the Eugene Mayor and City Council web page, and so on. Read the paper. Listen to the radio, or to audio recordings of past 4J board meetings. 
2. Get Inspired
   Spend some time with kids of all ages. Talk with our teachers about their hopes and dreams. Learn about exemplary schools, 21st century learning, and innovative educational approaches.
3. Get Smart
   Watch old television re-runs (whoops, couldn't resist...) I mean, make your efforts count.  Let's focus on solutions within our grasp. Let's avoid reinventing the wheel - if someone else is already working on something that interests you, join them. Let's set both long- and short-term goals. Let's ask our leaders to remain accountable. Be specific in what you ask for – don't just ask for more money or less cuts – and offer your ideas as possible solutions.
4. Get Involved
   Communicate with our school, civic and state leaders.  Write letters and emails, and when you do, ask for specifics, not just for more money. Attend 4J Board meetings, budget committee meetings, etc.  Call or visit our school, city and state leaders. Our leaders are also our representatives. Let them know how you'd like them to take the lead... 
5. Get Together
   Spread the word on the issues you care about. Join online groups like this blog or our Facebook page. Participate in parent meetings at your school (or if you don't have kids, at the school in your neighborhood). If you agree with their positions, join Stand for Children. Talk to your neighbors. Lead a working group.
6. Get Committed
   Make a commitment to stay involved.  Lots of us are stirred up now and attendance at recent board meetings has been high. Let's not let that energy fade. Let's stick around long enough to really stabilize our schools and further their excellence, and stick around some more to ensure they stay that way.

What are your thoughts on how to make a difference for our schools?