If we want to do this, people who believe in democracy need to start gearing up to run for school boards across the country ASAP. - ThreadSky

joycewhitevance.bsky.social • 87 days ago

If we want to do this, people who believe in democracy need to start gearing up to run for school boards across the country ASAP.

Reposted from Steven Beschloss

When we survive this dark chapter and there are sane people back in charge, can we agree that education and specifically civics education to ensure an informed, educated citizenry will be a high priority?

Comments

chelittle.bsky.social•87 days ago

Also too this isn't the only thing that we need to do. We need to enforce our f****** laws against anyone who breaks them it doesn't matter whether you're wearing black robes and you're a judge on a bench or you're the f****** president of the United States or laws must be enforced

chelittle.bsky.social•87 days ago

One of the most valuable lessons in Civic that should be also taught is the punishments that go along for doing s*** like has been done espionage and the punishments to go along with that sedition and a punishments that go along with that and of course insurrection and that s*** needs to be harsher

fairygarden.bsky.social•21 days ago

Let's hope so!

terpsichorecmlos.bsky.social•87 days ago

👍🏻👍🏽👍🏿👍🏾👍🏼👍

mkolanda.bsky.social•87 days ago

Critical thinking, vetting information sources and developing a sense for bullshit and propaganda.

leadersjohn.bsky.social•87 days ago

I wish I had money to run for anything, but I agree. I'm teaching freshman college students and their knowledge of the nation, government and history is sickeningly poor. Here in Pennsylvania, education has been denigrated for years, and it shows.

leprosy42.bsky.social•87 days ago

And data literacy

rivr0ddr.bsky.social•87 days ago

How do you run for school board? Does someone have links to articles that explain the process?

jedclampett.bsky.social•87 days ago

When some states want to teach the Bible instead of Civics, you know that we are on a downward trajectory that will not end well.

blfreeman.bsky.social•87 days ago

I never understood why it went away in the first place.

laceymikey.bsky.social•87 days ago

One word… testing. If it’s not on the test there’s no time in the schedule given to teachers to teach it.

blfreeman.bsky.social•86 days ago

I forgot; my kids have been out of school for 15 years. We live in Florida. I remember when standardized testing came in. It sounded awful and turned out to be that way. My son didn't take well to testing. He got his diploma by the skin of his teeth. I don't know how teachers stand it.

noreallyitsfine.bsky.social•87 days ago

That is an oversimplification of the issues choking off public education for decades. Overcrowded classrooms, underpaid teachers, no funding for supplies, unmaintained facilities, states removing facts from textbooks, unsupportive/absent parents, unequal distribution of funding... it goes on.

laceymikey.bsky.social•87 days ago

I’m a teacher. That’s the bottom line reality in schools every day. If it’s not on the test, it’s not in the curriculum we are told to teach, and not in the pacing guides we have to follow.

noreallyitsfine.bsky.social•87 days ago

Former teacher. I actually taught teacher workshops on how to craft multidisciplinary lessons and projects so that the students understand content. When students understand, they test better on the content. But as i said, that's not the only factor affecting our school systems.

laceymikey.bsky.social•86 days ago

Sadly those types of projects aren’t allowed anymore when you have to teach from the series or program “with fidelity.” Follow the book and the scripted lessons is the way it goes now.

blfreeman.bsky.social•86 days ago

I know this is true. We live in Florida, and I watched most of this happen as we were getting our kids through school. Now it's even more dire down here. I don't how teachers function day to day. Burnout must be off the charts.

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

Kids bring guns and parents aren't prosecuted and I have a problem with it.

noreallyitsfine.bsky.social•85 days ago

It would be weird if you didn't have a problem with that.

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

Yes and I suggest they strike until Trump is in because Republicans will have to finally take action or it will cost them politically. I know many principals are afraid of the kids in middle and high school and unless they have Joe Clark they will run the schools. Parents are not concerned

noreallyitsfine.bsky.social•85 days ago

The Republican Party does not plan to "take action" to improve public education. They plan to DEFUND it. Anything that doesn't make money for a few select billionaires is over. Public Healthcare and Education are TOAST. Read Project 2025.

fibermaineiac.bsky.social•87 days ago

A great resource. I used their curriculum with my kids when I homeschooled (for liberal and creativity reasons). It is called We the People. https://www.civiced.org

jen6172.bsky.social•87 days ago

Yes, we need to do what Republicans did for years: focus on local and state elections. That long game focus allowed them to get super majorities across multiple states, take control over local governments and school boards.

lauratjudge.bsky.social•87 days ago

Frustrating to see this after a hard-fought election. Because I started organizing for this 4 years ago and ran an almost 2 year campaign for school board, but couldn’t beat gerrymandered seats and dark money supporting R candidates. It can be done but will be hard. Be prepared.

kitwc.bsky.social•86 days ago

Just by running you forced your opponents to work harder and spend more than they would have if they were unopposed. You likely forced them to take public positions that were unpopular with at least some people instead of getting to slide by without saying anything. That’s awesome.

lauratjudge.bsky.social•86 days ago

It was gerrymandered so much and an open seat (with a Republican incumbent), the new guy didn’t have to say much of anything. They did have to spend more money tho. I’m happy of my race. Just more folks need to be aware, especially when the writing has been on the wall for over a decade

janettes-999.bsky.social•87 days ago

Civics education is a must!

cam84.bsky.social•87 days ago

This is what Republicans have been doing for the last 40 years - getting their people involved in and elected to school boards, then on to municipal/civic elections, and eventually to State elections where they’ve used gerrymandering to increase their representation to both House and Congress

box-of-frogs.bsky.social•87 days ago

Yes, take the fight to them. My hero this year has been the amazing CEO of Virginia Libraries, Lisa Varga, who attended multiple school board meetings to repeatedly destroy the utter stupidity of the book banning mob.

hjmize.bsky.social•87 days ago

Absolutely! Being an employee of the district, I’m not permitted to run for the school board. If I ever leave education that will be my goal.

tx2nh.bsky.social•87 days ago

Sadly, the school boards can’t do anything without appropriate funding. (See: New Hampshire’s current issues.) It is yet another place where the other side has played chess while we are playing checkers.

jacy200.bsky.social•86 days ago

I think people are starting to see the importance of local politics. Many have been shocked by the politicization & radicalization of local school boards & have begun paying more attention & fighting back. Some recalls & reclaiming of school boards by more rational people have been successful.

silktheblinddiva.bsky.social•87 days ago

Absolutely ‼️

mrcansays.bsky.social•87 days ago

Especially progressives!

sjposaune.bsky.social•87 days ago

Trump’s people are going to try to end public schools, teacher’s unions, and force school choice (vouchers) on everyone. Ending the Department of Education is only the start. Get involved. Do Something.

twmccy55.bsky.social•87 days ago

Some of the Scandinavian countries do it right, (big surprise).

Education in critical thinking skills, how to spot misinformation and how to de-digitalize youth and return to the basics seem just as appropriate as civics. Are we creating a generation of cynics? Very possibly so, look at MAGA.

larrymark212.bsky.social•87 days ago

well said - happy Thanksgiving

glad to follow you here too

hoping you can follow back (doesnt hurt to ask, right?)

@larrymark212.bsky.social

sameastheold.bsky.social•87 days ago

Without justice reform there will never be a return to democracy. Trump didn't become a criminal in 2015. He was one his entire adult life but our legal system is designed to insulate the wealthy and powerful from incarceration. The country depended on norms to keep someone like him out of office.

michelle-cat.bsky.social•87 days ago

People need to learn civics, and judges and lawyers need to learn humanity.

michelle-cat.bsky.social•87 days ago

Much of the public has lost faith in the judiciary and the legal profession , and that is going to get worse when they see government agents raiding people’s houses because their skin is the wrong color. The American people made a bad choice but so did those that said Trump should be on the ballot.

daslucky.bsky.social•87 days ago

Agree. Also keep the true news going. Freedom of speech will be a factor.#keep our Democracy

marcriggsbee.bsky.social•86 days ago

Hopeful assumptions.

roseyroseamund.bsky.social•87 days ago

I'd run in a heartbeat if I could.

Next best thing is involvement in my local & state politics.

And that's my focus.

azdotconnector.bsky.social•87 days ago

Can we add critical thinking to the curriculum?

akchaos.bsky.social•87 days ago

Ah...the plan is to totally do away with the education system. Running for a local position will just get you early entry into the concentration camps.

penguinantics.bsky.social•87 days ago

This comment is inspirational. I may do just that.

simone717.bsky.social•87 days ago

Yeah-like Bannon had weekly seminar instructions on this topic to all local USA MAGA for years- called it Grassroots takeover. What kind of org did we have? And we still do NOT have.
Come on.

here1we1go1.bsky.social•85 days ago

We don’t have any organization that I’m aware of

drnotta.bsky.social•87 days ago

And for state legislature in '26. School boards don't usually have a lot of discretion when it comes to curriculum.

rljennings.bsky.social•87 days ago

Hopefully recent events have woken people up to the fact that voting in ALL elections matter. Voter turnout for midterms, state & local elections is beyond dismal.

kristinb52.bsky.social•83 days ago

Yes, if there is a system of public schools left to save. I don’t know what the available home school curricula have for history, civics & government courses.

mltgurl.bsky.social•87 days ago

I had Civics in high school in the 1950s .... INVALUABLE!

itsthejam.bsky.social•87 days ago

It’s very hard to get good, qualified people on school boards as long as (many of them, I can’t speak to all) remain part time jobs. A few thousand dollars a year and a couple hours of work per week, doesn’t reflect how important the job is or get people who can fully commit.

eddiesrainbow.bsky.social•87 days ago

Too late Joyce we are in for a big surprise come January 20th. The ill informed 48% of stupidity will make us all pay for that price off eggs that they were pissed off at. My conscious is clear because I know I voted for sanity and equality not stupidity and selfishness. Good luck America hopefully

eddiesrainbow.bsky.social•87 days ago

After these next four years we pledge our allegiance to a Flag not to an individual oligarch.

bookgator86.bsky.social•87 days ago

Educator here...a big part of the problem is mandated standardized testing. Teachers are teaching but aren't truly being given the time to dig deep into subjects that aren't on the standardized tests.

zarathenurse.bsky.social•87 days ago

Agree. No standardized testing in Germany and they are one of the top countries in education.

heathermariehl.bsky.social•87 days ago

It’s a tough balance. We were graduating people who lacked basic language and math skills.

noreallyitsfine.bsky.social•87 days ago

Apples and Oranges.

ac1974.bsky.social•87 days ago

Happy Thanksgiving, my friend! I wish you a wonderful day.

scyork.bsky.social•87 days ago

Moms for liberty is trying to take ours over. Luckily all but one has been rejected in the elections.

zoulipious.bsky.social•80 days ago

Exactly!

political-junkie.bsky.social•87 days ago

God save us teachers. It’s hell out here in the trenches especially in Red States. Follow back please. Our voices will be tried to be silenced first
Follow

tinamelquist.bsky.social•87 days ago

It’s not tested on the SAT, so it will always be a challenge to get school districts to focus on it. Sadly, the way many districts measure success is very narrow.

irreverentginger.bsky.social•87 days ago

So far the most sage advice I’ve seen on this platform. This is what the Republicans’ did many years ago and look what they’ve managed to do.

kimakalouise.bsky.social•87 days ago

💯

menckenwasright.bsky.social•87 days ago

That, and when Dems have control of legislatures, do whatever is freaking necessary to ban gerrymandered and pre-rigged elections. (No matter WHO is doing it - even Dems!) NC Republicans picked up 3 House seats this year for no other reason than fiddling the maps.

biggrandma.bsky.social•86 days ago

Exactly. With Gerrymandering, which makes most seats safe, and closed primaries, a lot of people don’t even get a chance to vote for their representative which lead to extreme unqualified people in office.

clwaryas.bsky.social•87 days ago

And we need to keep public schools from being destroyed by vouchers transferring public funding to private,right-wing, Talibangelical schools.

schoolhouserox.bsky.social•87 days ago

Charter schools as well

monicallogan.bsky.social•87 days ago

As the chair of a small town BOE, YES PLEASE. Also attend meetings and voice your sanity to combat the loud voices of dissent.

tallkim62.bsky.social•85 days ago

On it! I understand the Mission! 🏫

scirocker.bsky.social•87 days ago

It is taught in Alabama schools. 7-12th grade. https://www.alabamaachieves.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2010-Alabama-Social-Studies-Course-of-Study.pdf

co-jayjay.bsky.social•86 days ago

Baloney. Until voters get smarter not another thing matters. And the only thing that will prompt the 25-54 voter demo to wake up, grow up and get serious about the future instead of demanding trophies for “adulting” every day is experiencing how gd bad it can get when voters are selfish and silly.

bluecat243.bsky.social•87 days ago

Sadly, moms for liberty just gained control of our board. Voted out dedicated successful hard-working incumbent. We will protest actions at every board meeting

skirockies.bsky.social•87 days ago

It will be tough but if you have a consistent message I think you’ll make inroads in other’s thinking. Check out red wine and blue. They have great tools for this kind of thing

bluecat243.bsky.social•87 days ago

I do that, also local Dem women’s club. There was a recall years ago, but people seem to have short memories for how chaotic it was. Now they are back. Ugh

skirockies.bsky.social•87 days ago

It is amazing how short memories are. So we need a longer term game plan. Monthly reminders of how sane it is when the barnstormers do t run our schools or libraries… it’s exhausting but , we gotta do what we gotta do.

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

To the source and call the news. January 2nd school choice enrollment begins and most people don't understand that they can reject any kid and place them on a waiting list and parents can't challenge it. This will cut state funding and free lunch is gone! I don't debate! I know politics!

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

She's trying this in Huntsville Alabama and I am ready for her. She should have a library in her house. John Wahl is the leader and he's quite familiar with Ms. Ferguson and the state GOP. I have written them. These people are only successful because parents only gripe on social media and never go

heathermariehl.bsky.social•87 days ago

Stupid question. But is there a “moms for liberty” analog on the left? I guess the agenda would be education, common sense, inclusion …

bbincleveland.bsky.social•87 days ago

I would add home economics to this.

abilynn.bsky.social•87 days ago

Absolutely

strawhilluk.bsky.social•87 days ago

Gurrrl❣️give fools enough rope…
LOVIN’ my Steel Magnolias 💕✊🏾

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGdj1Ug6W/

garnetwaters.bsky.social•87 days ago

I won't hold my breath. I'm a teacher retiring this school year. I've watched them chip away at public ed for decades. There are teacher shortages, scores are down, and kids are miserable being tested to death. No one, not even the "teacher First Lady," has even begun to address the crises. Meh.

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

I'm a writer and I applied for the reading coach position because I write poetry with messages kids like but they will think I'm connected to the industry and even if I am,if they can't read and won't get off cell phones they will not get help from Ms. Kim. I'm not friends with them or their mom's!

garnetwaters.bsky.social•86 days ago

Great responses. I can sense that you care and can see what's going on under the surface. You'll be a great reading coach. Just go in with a plan, and the kids will love it. Set your cell phone policy early, be consistent, and you'll be great!

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

Schools for therapy because some kids are afraid of dogs. Trauma at home is going to go everywhere they go. I see state secretary of education trying to get economics and psychology in schools now but it won't work unless parents are involved and made mandatory.

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

When kids basic needs aren't met they can't focus on education and they are not wanting to go, playing video games to cope,not accepted and loved. It's social media fame, drugs and vaping self - medicating looking for love when self-esteem is an inside job. I have been advocating for gaming in

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

I agree and work in Huntsville City Schools and too much testing, kids are going through trauma at home and bullied. The mental health only prescribes medication but trauma is life-long, active shooter drills are traumatic and Covid and Trump. Kids don't have essentials coats and it's not good.

deeheathwriter.bsky.social•87 days ago

People need to run from bottom to top. It's the only way we'll survive

calmthoughts.bsky.social•85 days ago

Initiative & Time. We need better wages, so people don’t have to work more & make less. Then they can serve on School Boards. Slaves do not have energy to be proactive; that is precisely what the Republicans want!

rkhullar.bsky.social•87 days ago

Wishful thinking guys. It took years for Republicans to do this and when they were doing it all of us stayed quiet because it wasn't that much of a threat and now you see what they've done. I feel that we're in a new America now

rkhullar.bsky.social•87 days ago

Even when there was political disagreement in this country what kept us even during the time that I saw vitriol going all the way back to Reagan when I was a baby

rkhullar.bsky.social•87 days ago

But the reason that we were okay was because we had two term presidents. Donald Trump may have ended that for a while because now what we have is a Grover Cleveland situation and when was the next two-term president after that

rkhullar.bsky.social•87 days ago

I think because this country is so divided that unless we become a more united country the days of two term presidents may very well be over and what I mean by two-term presidents is two consecutive term presidents

jeaniecolumbo.bsky.social•87 days ago

He said we’d never have to vote again. What if he refuses to leave once he’s in?

quinnh2o.bsky.social•87 days ago

I wish there was a podcast that teaches civics, just like we had in hs (yes I'm old)

hansolo3239.bsky.social•87 days ago

the main problem is that they (you know who) will not want educated people. Those do not vote for them

jwoodlands.bsky.social•87 days ago

@joycewhitevance.bsky.social have you seen this? Brilliant pushback at a school board. Cartoonist Ryan Estrada did highlights :) Relevant bit of actual meeting video starts at 41 min. https://bsky.app/profile/ryanestrada.com/post/3lbvlylyuhs2f

rykelsey.bsky.social•87 days ago

✅

jarocats.bsky.social•87 days ago

Indeed. That's exactly how the GOP accumulated so much power: they started with school boards and city councils, and spent the past 30, 40 years building their infrastructure from the ground up.

I've been saying this for decades.

Now? There may not _be_ any school boards to run for.

mommavestor.bsky.social•87 days ago

Happy happy Thanksgiving! Grateful for the sisters in law podcast! It is my calm when I go for a long walk! 🦃🧡💛❤️🦃

lylescout.bsky.social•87 days ago

Pay teachers what they're worth.

tobatty.bsky.social•87 days ago

And what are you doing in your community to make sure this happens? This isn't something "others" do...you and like-minded people can make it happen

lylescout.bsky.social•87 days ago

Teacher's wages are collectively bargained here between the teacher's union and the province.

gretngsfrmearth.bsky.social•85 days ago

Part of the corporate takeover is decreasing education + literacy. Troublemakers tend to be educated, whether formally or autodidacticly.

https://dianeravitch.net/2024/03/09/thom-hartmann-how-big-business-destroyed-the-american-dream/

girldownoz.bsky.social•87 days ago

Within this next 4 years. Gov will not run like it used to. Everything will change to keep Teflon Don in power. You will never get him out!

allenmramos.bsky.social•87 days ago

That’s just half the challenge, I think. The other half is making attending school or education to be compelling to students. There’s a growing disdain for spending 1/3 of the day learning things and skills that will not be used or useful in daily life or work after graduating from hs or uni.

garnetwaters.bsky.social•87 days ago

What part of communication, grammar, the scientific method, history, social sciences, logical thinking, and problem solving skills aren't used after HS? What part of exploring possibilities and wonder in multiple fields is useless? What part of growing well-rounded citizens is a waste of time?

grandmainfl.bsky.social•87 days ago

Hopefully our country doesn’t get destroyed by the orange monster.

jokane2.bsky.social•87 days ago

Definitely!

abilynn.bsky.social•87 days ago

I am looking to see what qualifies someone to be on a school board. I ran a nationwide preschool for 12 years. My family are still in the district.

turnkey1.bsky.social•87 days ago

As far as I can tell this currently qualifies you to run just about any part of the government.

falameezer.bsky.social•87 days ago

More than just school boards. There R a ton of races unopposed. May not win em all but even a few is worth it.

#UNITEAMERICA

erintruth.bsky.social•86 days ago

Absolutely 💯. That's a great idea. Start America's rehabilitation with improving education: Econ 101. Civics for Beginners. American History. 🖐😎🦋

liberal-g.bsky.social•87 days ago

Top Democrats need to get involved in motivating all the people they can to run for every level of office across the country. I'm talking to you Kamala Harris.

katog617.bsky.social•87 days ago

Absolutely!

minaforest.bsky.social•87 days ago

🍒

we want to do this.

ontopofit4.bsky.social•87 days ago

On another note--chickens--be sure to see the incredibly informative and entertaining documentary CHICKEN CITY on Vudu, Vimeo, and Hoopla (free with library card). It's also on Rotten Tomatoes. 2024, runs 1 hr 2 min

blackcat52.bsky.social•87 days ago

The level of historical ignorance in our youth is astounding. Civics is a good start.

godhatesyeast.bsky.social•85 days ago

the most successful republican policy in history

kudubro.bsky.social•87 days ago

Pretend you’re MAGA

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

Employee paid every week because they are all essential workers.

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

Classroom. Some teachers drive far just to get to work and sit in traffic and they need to be reimbursed for gas and until politicians wake up every one should strike before Trump gets in. Politicians will be forced to meet every demand. First demand should be increase in salary and every school

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

I said I would. I would immediately only let teachers assist and only parents who are present in their kids education. Change only happens when teachers are listened to because if we are honest that's why teachers are leaving. Teachers need funding. They should not have to buy supplies for the

johnstarkbhm.bsky.social•87 days ago

You can't make a case AGAINST better education. But I am troubled by the fact that all my classmates got the same education I did--but we didn't all vote alike. Education may not change our political climate as much as people think.

kentann.bsky.social•87 days ago

Happy Thanksgiving, Joyce and followers! As a teacher, I concur 💯

greekmj.bsky.social•87 days ago

Great idea

amygstarks.bsky.social•87 days ago

Agreed; we need to take some pages from the Republican’s playlist.

lilhistorian.bsky.social•87 days ago

Ok, but get our numbers up too. Reach out to Us and Is, tell them why they should join/switch to the Democratic Party. Yes, it's a heavy lift, a long haul, hard work, but it sure as hell beats running candidates in areas/districts over-run/gerrymandered by Republicans, and lose.

martyolliff.bsky.social•87 days ago

The K-12 curriculum is set at the state level, so getting civics taught is a decision we'll above local school boards. Teaching civics and running for school boards are good pieces of advice but not related to each other.

617to416.bsky.social•87 days ago

It's a nice sentiment, but we delude ourselves thinking ordinary people can govern themselves. All successful governments are systems of elite control. What makes democracy better than other forms of government is it provides a means for the people to depose their elite leaders without violence.

knitter1.bsky.social•87 days ago

How do we do this?

goodkarma787.bsky.social•87 days ago

The sentiment is well intentioned but I urge those outside of education to understand that civics is already mandated in many states already. Missouri is one.

It’s difficult for educators to counteract the effects of media propaganda.

heathermariehl.bsky.social•87 days ago

(Many) kids now in school are learning how to evaluate information and assess credibility of sources in the age of the internet. The adults who graduated before smartphones could use some lessons.

schoolhouserox.bsky.social•87 days ago

Especially TikTok

fid31.bsky.social•87 days ago

It's going to be a tough road recovering from the potential destruction that's coming. It's an easier sell to reduce funding for government programs than it is to ask for major increases, which is likely to be required when sanity is restored.

belcaro.bsky.social•87 days ago

Trump prefers uneducated folks. They are easier for him to grift and join the cult.

christine-m.bsky.social•87 days ago

Run for school boards - the earlier and the more the better. This is ground work for democracy. And it protects the children and makes them better and educated citizens.

bethray.bsky.social•87 days ago

Until 1981 , Southerners could drop out of school. Many are the older population who voted republican. How can those be reached?

thesaltyinkslinger.bsky.social•87 days ago

Republicans had this figured out 40 years ago.

AND D’s/Is need to run for board of supervisors. Ours in in charge of public libraries, and they don’t like funding our county’s regional branches.

Those local, down ballot races are crucial if you want a safe, educated community.

cmorganart.bsky.social•87 days ago

Colorado requires Civics. The problem isn't necessarily what is taught. What parents value and what kids "believe" is important holds a large chunk of the issue. Many ppl think school doesn't teach you to do taxes, but the tax form is just basic math.

hippygirl1968.bsky.social•86 days ago

That's what I've always said - education education education. Unfortunately the felon doesn't believe that.

behonestbebold.bsky.social•86 days ago

Teaching it in school can not compete with the strategic comms focusing on Gen Z on TikTok. The bad guys are so far ahead.

ernie0326.bsky.social•87 days ago

It starts at the most basic levels of elected officials. Then work your way up. All Trumpublicans must be defeated on every level in every election. Down to dog catcher

wethepeople2024.bsky.social•87 days ago

We can start now! Teach civics on OutSchool or in homeschool co-ops; offer social studies tutoring, etc.

pepsinoodle.bsky.social•80 days ago

And education to teach people how to identify and understand disinformation, as is done in Finland.

knominow2.bsky.social•87 days ago

I think local communities should add mandatory Civic classes .. every grade .. & if their States refuse than offer them after school in a ample location

ninjafingers.bsky.social•87 days ago

If you don't have the bandwidth to run, then remember that school board is non partisan in most places.

Research candidates and then publicize their views.

"Parents need to know what's going on their children's lives" is a dog whistle for transphobia/homophobia.

scrummyodoole.bsky.social•86 days ago

Yeah but real Civics, not that dressed up bible crap that Reich wing politicians are forcing on students.

annadelf.bsky.social•87 days ago

Amen. The ability to think critically and to be able to check the facts should be taught from the earliest ages.

chijazz.bsky.social•87 days ago

AMEN! Teaching little the populace to read is foremost. And then, making sure what they read informs them of the importance of "the commons" in a civil society; and makes it available to them

paulmbowes.bsky.social•87 days ago

I'm all for civics lessons, but the idea that people get their information and form their views even preponderantly from civics lessons - as opposed to parents, relatives, peer groups and the media - is naive.

kssok.bsky.social•87 days ago

I am a strong believer in civics lessons. Too many people have no understanding of how government works. For instance, blaming President or VP for things beyond their control when people should be blaming Congress. If students understand this, it could be the beginning of promoting facts.

paulmbowes.bsky.social•87 days ago

So long as you say 'could be', we agree. Anything that addresses the grievous levels of ignorance among voters about the facts of government should be welcomed.

bodedog.bsky.social•86 days ago

Are you gearing up Joyce or are you just explaining to us what we should do.

espinsegall.bsky.social•87 days ago

To her credit, Justice O’Connor saw this coming decades ago. We should have listened.

jynersoshope.bsky.social•87 days ago

Yes, we need to resurrect Critical Thinking in schools 👇🏻

lesleyswc.bsky.social•87 days ago

A thousand times YES!

girlscout1.bsky.social•86 days ago

A Labor Party government fellow in the UK said, The American electorate is really dumb. Bring back history in schools.

jazzygirl.bsky.social•87 days ago

Very important place to start.

codykinski.bsky.social•87 days ago

ASAP is late, but late is better than never. Many of us have predicted the rise of right-wing politicians through the ranks of small local offices they were running for since the late 1980s, when their grass-roots planning was becoming obvious. It's long past time to reclaim those roots for all.

macthedragon.bsky.social•87 days ago

I am now retired teacher, but I began my career in 1985. In the history of teaching beginning in the middle 70s, the extraction of teaching history, geography, civics, and social studies began to slowly disappear in our country.

bialass.bsky.social•87 days ago

At the same time, let's model critical thinking for our kids. They already know how to 'Google'. My hope is that in the coming age, we will use tech as tools and not as a way of life.

carmelb.bsky.social•87 days ago

Time to teach Civics and Critical Thinking Skills again.

Also in elementary schools teaching how to weed out disinformation.

arranquedex.bsky.social•87 days ago

Muy buen punto, comenzar por donde se forman, para la democracia

hystericalfemale76.bsky.social•87 days ago

As a sitting school board member I could not agree more. Anyone with an interest in running in NJ please feel free to message me.

georgia-peachy.bsky.social•87 days ago

Agree. It starts at the ground level. Vote in your local elections.

jennybing53.bsky.social•87 days ago

agentfrodo.bsky.social•87 days ago

Start yesterday or the next opportunity. 🙏
Demonizing colleges, private schools, bibles in classrooms, crazy curriculum, CRT hysteria, book banning, and no DoE (i.e no minimum or collective standards) all work together. A major part of the plan is to make Americans too stupid to know the difference.

kc52220.bsky.social•86 days ago

Oh yes!!!!

lawrencemichael.bsky.social•87 days ago

Why are “sane” people on holiday & not in the White House “working day & night” for a Gaza ceasefire & to enshrine as much “democracy” from “nazism” as they can before January? Because they don’t have conviction of their own repeated warnings

epistemicrisis.bsky.social•87 days ago

Credit needs to be given when credit is due; the hard right have been running hard for office and pushing successfully pushing their agenda. #democracydiesinapathy

faithlessgrace.bsky.social•87 days ago

That and staying on message. Their hateful, corrupt, insane, despicable message.

thesaltyinkslinger.bsky.social•87 days ago

Yup. I do commend them on their dedication.

batty310.bsky.social•87 days ago

For 70 years, Republicans defunded education and stacked local school board with cronies while Democrats just twiddled their thumbs. They outfoxed us and we have to start from the ground up again. CIVICS education is crucial

yunohoo.bsky.social•87 days ago

Democrats cannot win every national election. The Supreme Court will be set for decades.
Sorry, y'all

adam-ross.bsky.social•87 days ago

Imagine if we’d started working for that tireless in the 1980s like the Christian Coalition did?

corgifan-5.bsky.social•87 days ago

Correct. Everyone should do something for the common good. Although 1 size may not fit all, we need a conduit where folks can find the right fit to contribute.

🙏

iscka.bsky.social•87 days ago

They have already taken over our school boards. Texas, religious curriculum in the next school year. Surrounded by sky daddy worshippers

iscka.bsky.social•87 days ago

I agree, but in Bible thumping states it will be an uphill battle.

amyhanrahan.bsky.social•87 days ago

My co-worker has an exchange student from Austria and she is baffled that we, town in Maine, don’t have classes to teach about politics and each party.

angellady1.bsky.social•87 days ago

maishaprez.bsky.social•87 days ago

Educational and family systems. The former starts at home.

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

States. New Orleans residents dancing when Saints coach was fired but not voting is why Jeff Landry will be able to send kids to Angola when Trump is in. They are pumping them up on medication and it impacts education. If people claim to be Woke. They would stop taking the bait!

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

Care about hair better prepare for January. Too late once he's in. I work with kids and they are not able to read and parents can't so college wasn't a goal unless they can play sports. Tik-tok fame is the worst game because jail is the reason the prison industry is very lucrative in republican

kimpossible49.bsky.social•86 days ago

Facts and parents are responsible. Kids watch what they see mom do because talk is cheap. I can see who actually lives it so people who live lies aren't going to teach the youth the truth. The buck stops there. Many parents are friends with their kids. Trump is waiting for them. Parents who only

goddesswon.bsky.social•87 days ago

Exactly.That's how LBJ started.School boards are very powerful!

mamar9635.bsky.social•87 days ago

Democracy begins at home. School boards, local, county, and state government. Make your voice heard by keeping your representatives informed.

agora01619.bsky.social•87 days ago

Celebrities should focus on saving what they can now, not in 4 years.
Invest in local newspapers.
Local radio

hotjavamamax3.bsky.social•87 days ago

We also need to bring back Music and art classes, home economics, and add in some financial classes.

heathermariehl.bsky.social•87 days ago

That requires funding. In Ohio, schools depend on property taxes and the voters routinely vote down ballot measures to fund schools.

hotjavamamax3.bsky.social•87 days ago

I know... those classes are desperately needed.

judybrandt.bsky.social•87 days ago

In my home town this time (Virginia Beach): school
Board, majority were Democratic picks, city council: mixed, CD-2: R, senate: D, president R. No book banners on school board, but a president that plans to burn it all down.

alisho.bsky.social•87 days ago

I also live in VB and wanted to share the final election count, Harris actually won VB!

judybrandt.bsky.social•87 days ago

She did,
But not Missy 🤷‍♀️

alisho.bsky.social•87 days ago

Kiggans had so much $$$! Still makes me feel a little better about where I reside that Trump didn’t win the area.

judybrandt.bsky.social•87 days ago

I guess it depends on the. Neighborhood. Mine is entirely Trump.

guywrites.bsky.social•87 days ago

This is so important. We have sleepwalked into a dumbing down of our culture, both in the US and here in the UK. The result is a lack of civic responsibility and a sense that others will ‘sort things out for me.’ We must all be active and educated citizens and encourage critical thinking.

jodem.bsky.social•87 days ago

Civics is American 🇺🇸

granmarobin.bsky.social•87 days ago

Absolutely. We can’t put our heads down and patiently wait 4 years to get ready. We must start electing school board members that align with truth, democracy, civility.

mzmazz.bsky.social•87 days ago

I think, from kindergarten onwards children need to be explicitly taught critical thinking.

literacygirl.bsky.social•87 days ago

YES!

churchlady320.bsky.social•87 days ago

Back in the 80s we saw Christian Coalition do trainings for school board candidates. Liberals scoffed, thought that unimportant. Turned out it was the KEY. This is where we should have been all along.

innerleadership.bsky.social•86 days ago

yes and also to bring "civic education" out into society/ communities.

chicago1966.bsky.social•77 days ago

Glad to hear more ppl promoting this. I just hope the high school level of civics includes a month long exercise that gives students a “role and objective” that will allow them to see the dynamics of politics and the results!

johngbc.bsky.social•86 days ago

Introducing critical thinking into the curriculum of every classroom subject would help. Teaching our youth to ask questions, how to reason, recognize biases, that there are options, problem solving, etc.
Using examples of Trumps vacuous claims, and use of ad hominem, will make great case studies.

evdevon.bsky.social•87 days ago

An absolute must!

bob33iam.bsky.social•86 days ago

💯👍✅💙❤️

dabeav.bsky.social•87 days ago

Was watching a case about a lady who pulled a gun on a census worker. How many of our population, if queried, would know this determines how many representatives their state will have in Congress?

kevincanuck.bsky.social•87 days ago

and IMHO, then be patient and determined because it'll take a decade, more likely more than 1, to turn things around for some states

brockwolf.bsky.social•87 days ago

@shershkowitz.bsky.social

Is LISSA on BlueSky?

shershkowitz.bsky.social•86 days ago

Not sure.

brockwolf.bsky.social•86 days ago

They might find allies here.

rsspbxx.bsky.social•86 days ago

✔️

amaerobinson.bsky.social•87 days ago

And becoming teachers and supporting (financially, emotionally) teachers and schools!

mascheib.bsky.social•87 days ago

run for something. Contest every race. This is how we do it.

makeusasaneagain.bsky.social•86 days ago

It's unfortunate that I had a horrible civics teacher in high school. Thankfully I was able to go to college and learned not only about our governmental system (also compared to other systems) but I also learned about research methodology, most importantly the ranking of credible sources. Teach this

courageousgirl2.bsky.social•87 days ago

It MUST happen

here1we1go1.bsky.social•85 days ago

The teachers with trump bumper stickers in my areas is shocking! A lot of these teachers are into defiance.

chuckmccullagh.bsky.social•87 days ago

Affirmative!

goats-kids.bsky.social•87 days ago

I am in a college class on Civics and responsible citizenship. Civics engaged in social movements. I’m 62, and need to learn how civics will work for the impending shit show.

patricia3-m.bsky.social•87 days ago

I have no children but have certainly paid an obscene amount of money in county taxes to support public schools. Does that matter?

passem.bsky.social•87 days ago

And local and state races. We need to turn these maga states blue

ludwe90.bsky.social•87 days ago

There will be less wars compared to the Biden administration.

thegodofcities.bsky.social•83 days ago

Caligula was not the end of Rome.
Hitler was not the end of Germany.
Trump will not be our end...

SO SAY WE ALL.

ojibwekwe.bsky.social•87 days ago

I sure hope so!

newlife25.bsky.social•87 days ago

When did they remove civics from schools?

Civics is a casualty of STEM, Common Core!

melsdogs.bsky.social•87 days ago

100% agree with that and the need for civics training and education. I have been saying this for years.

artonward.bsky.social•87 days ago

Joyce, Testing must not be a requirement to funding. Funding schools must be changed back to simply need. Emphasis on the tests watered it all down since 1998. No child left behind…left a lot of children behind.

ladyevenstarbpe.bsky.social•87 days ago

Speaking from my experience as a teacher/principal: We were just so happy to have living people on our unpaid board! So, one would think, in smaller school districts, this shouldn't be a problem, but getting community members to volunteer is actually incredibly hard. Be prepared to beg.

asdzaanjones.bsky.social•87 days ago

As a former educator/administrator get reid of No Child Left Behind testing. That’s why we lost Civics/History importance. It’s not on the test. Lots if other suggestions too. But I’ll start there.

justmemd3.bsky.social•87 days ago

👍🏼

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