By Sondra Batters
Sondra Batters is a community educator in the Denver metro area and a Denver Families for Public Schools Advocacy Ambassador. As a former DPS educator, Sondra’s work is rooted in the belief that positive social change begins in the classroom.
Education is the foundation of our future—shaping the leaders, innovators, and citizens of tomorrow. Whether or not you have children, you are directly impacted by the state of our schools.
Your tax dollars support public education, and those funds are invested in the next generation— future doctors, engineers, teachers, and community leaders. Getting involved in educational advocacy is more than just a civic duty; it’s a way to ensure that these resources are used effectively to foster a community of well-rounded, thoughtful, and capable individuals who will lead us forward.
Think about someone who invested in you—a family member, a teacher, a mentor, or a community leader. Their investment helped shape who you are today. By engaging in educational advocacy, you have the opportunity to pay that investment forward. You can make a tangible difference in your community influencing decisions that affect everything from school safety to academics.
It’s about creating a better future for all of us, regardless of whether we have children in the system.
I recognize that getting involved in educational advocacy can seem daunting. Many people feel unsure about where to start or worry about tackling such a big task alone. I’ve felt that way too. Before I connected with Denver Families for Public Schools, I often felt my ability to make a difference as a public school educator was limited. I saw many areas in need of change but lacked the platform and support to voice my concerns effectively.
Denver Families for Public Schools is an incredible organization dedicated to empowering public school families, educators, and community members to actively shape our schools. They foster civic engagement and boost electoral participation to create a more equitable education system and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Through Denver Families, I found a supportive community of passionate educational advocates who shared my concerns and vision for the future of our schools. Together, we found our collective voice and that voice became a powerful force for change. Our community efforts aim to improve school policies, increase resources for students, and provide every child with access to quality education, thereby strengthening our community.
Advocacy isn’t just about raising issues; it’s about creating solutions together. Through my work with Denver Families, I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose and optimism for what our schools—and our society—can achieve. This shift in perspective has shown me that civic participation is not only valuable but profoundly rewarding. Our combined efforts have demonstrated that meaningful change is not just possible—it’s within our grasp and worth every ounce of dedication.
If you’re hesitant about getting involved in educational advocacy, remember you are not alone and that your voice matters—whether or not you have children. Dedicated organizations and communities stand ready to support you. By joining forces, we can drive transformative change, fostering an equitable, high-quality education system, a stronger community, and a brighter future for all.
If you’re considering getting involved, my advice is clear: Take the leap! Together, let’s make a profound difference.
