Educators across Colorado are engaging in ongoing community organizing efforts aimed at addressing challenges facing public education. The Colorado Education Association (CEA) has launched its Year Round Organizing (YRO) Program, which involves teachers, education support professionals, and special service providers working throughout the year to build relationships and advocate for solutions to school funding issues.
The YRO program is designed to empower educators to lead within their own communities while contributing to a statewide push for fully funded public schools. According to the CEA, these efforts include one-on-one conversations with colleagues about the future of schools, meetings with parents and local leaders concerned about student outcomes, recruiting new union members, and connecting local advocacy work to broader campaigns focused on resolving funding problems.
Member organizers are active in regions including Aurora-Littleton, Boulder-Westminster, Front Range, Denver, Jefferson County, Central Adams, Pikes Peak, Two Rivers, Spanish Peaks, Southeast Colorado, Big Thompson area, and Ski Country. Each area has designated representatives from various local education associations participating in the initiative.
The CEA states: “We know that real change doesn’t just happen at the Capitol or on Election Day. It happens year round, and it’s happening right now as educators are sitting down with members, coworkers, parents, small business owners, and community members to talk about the realities facing public education today. That’s the heart of CEA’s Year Round Organizing (YRO) Program.”
“The YRO program is about educators leading in their own communities while connecting to a bigger, statewide vision for fully funded public education in Colorado. When we organize locally, we win together,” according to the organization.
“Every conversation strengthens our movement. Every connection brings us closer to winning the schools our students deserve. Every conversation builds the trust and unity we need to win,” said a statement from CEA.
Those interested in learning more or participating can contact Jackie Parkins at CEA.
