They can't hear you if you're not there! ISEA's guide to becoming an effective caucus-goer

ISEA members can help shape the future of America's public schools by getting involved and attending their precinct caucuses in January -- both Republicans and Democrats have now scheduled their caucuses for Thursday, January 3.

Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, or No Party, you can help bring your neighbors together around the issues that really matter: Students and public education. Here are links to the tips, tools, resources, and information you'll need to make a difference:

· ISEA Suggested Caucus Resolutions

· Iowa Republican Caucus locater

· Iowa Democratic Caucus locater

· Download the ISEA Caucus Kit

· About the caucuses

· ISEA Caucus Classroom

· ISEA-sponsored Caucus Countdown on Radio Iowa

· Watch our video

· Listen to Linda Nelson's podcast

· See where the candidates stand on education

· Hear clips of the candidates speaking at the NEA Annual Meeting

· Radio Iowa's blog

· Republican Party of Iowa state platform

· Iowa Democratic Party state platform

· Iowa Politics political news service

· 2008 Iowa Student Caucus

· Iowa Votes 2008 (WHO TV)

· Commitment 2008 (KCCI TV)

· Des Moines Register Caucus Guide

· Cedar Rapids Gazette Caucus Guide

Five easy steps

to making

your voice heard

1. Know what's at stakeIowa's first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses offer a tremendous opportunity for education professionals to make their voices heard. The stakes in this year's caucuses are especially high because the No Child Left Behind law is being re-authorized. The person elected to serve as the next U.S. President will play a big role in whether that law works for our kids or against them. Click here for information on the NEA's positive agenda for reauthorization.

2. Download our Caucus Kit. Everything you need to know about the caucuses is included in this handy guide -- from an overview of what to expect on caucus night to suggested resolutions that you can submit. Click here.

3. Attend candidate events, ask questions, and dig for details about their positions. Education is too important to accept campaign rhetoric! Click here for candidate schedules or check your local newspaper.

4. Stay informed. Even if you can't attend a campaign event, you can still keep on top of where the candidates stand by visiting their Web sites and checking out some of the resources listed on our Web site. Iowa Politics.com is a great place to start.

5. Attend your caucus and submit pro-public education resolutions. Go to the Iowa Republican Party and Iowa Democratic Party for a listing of locations.