Local special interest groups, corporations and non-profits all have a stake in what happens at the Georgia General Assembly. That’s why it’s critical for an organization’s employees and membership to understand how government works, why being involved matters and what each individual can do to make their entity’s voice heard.

PR1776 is assisting Communities In Schools of Georgia (CIS of Georgia) in their quest to build a more effective public affairs program, including grassroots education, elected official outreach and staff and employee training. CIS of Georgia’s annual Legislative Day at The Capital and Student Achievement Month Awards Luncheon held in March, was a key component in the internal and external civics education process.

As background, CIS of Georgia is part of a national network that uses a unique, scientifically-proven model to empower young people and their parents to take responsibility for their futures by removing obstacles to learning, providing and coordinating social services directly in the community, easing the burden on parents, and allowing teachers to teach and students to learn. All with the goal of keeping kids in school so they graduate and become productive Georgians.

Communities In Schools of Georgia was particularly focused this year on driving home the point that their affiliate staff, boards and volunteers must engage with elected officials if they are to continue to improve education in Georgia – and maintain financial support from the state in a tough economy. That’s why CIS of Georgia added a new “civics 101″ program, which was facilitated by PR1776 staff and included a welcome from Rep. Margaret Kaiser (D-Grant Park). The goal was to reinforce the importance of engaging elected officials, while providing the tools to get started. Nearly half of the existing affiliate directors from around the state (the highest turnout ever) showed up for the morning capital program. A photo with Governor Sonny Perdue followed the civics session, as did visits with members of the General Assembly.   

The day also included the annual Student Achievement Month Contest luncheon which recognizes kids from across Georgia (K-12) who competed in – and won – essay, public speaking and creative design contests demonstrating the positive impact CIS of Georgia has had in their lives. This year’s luncheon included the first-ever legislative awards, which will continue building linkages between CIS of Georgia and elected officials at all levels of government.

This year’s recipients included state representative Brooks Coleman (R-Gwinnett), who accepted his “Legislator of the Year” award. And Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin was recognized as the “Elected Official of the Year.” This award commends a leader from across the state who made a significant contribution to education. Deborah Lum, leader of the Atlanta Work Workforce Development Agency, accepted on the mayor’s behalf. Her remarks stressed the importance of engaging every young person in a conversation about education and the value it brings to their lives today – and in the future.

An education “state-of-the-state” panel presentation closed out the day. Elected officials heard first-hand, the impact of CIS of Georgia programs from a local school board member, school superintendent and three CIS students.

Overall lessons were clear: it is critical to underscore the importance of being involved in the civic process for staff and other members of an organization’s network. These people must be equipped with the tools to engage, once activated. And finally, relationships began to take root (or were enhanced) between CIS and elected officials. Through this process, CIS of Georgia was able to put a face on the organization and/or cause, which will increase their ability to seek changes to public education that improves each child’s chances of success.

Communities In Schools of Georgia will continue to motivate, equip and activate their network this spring through a day-long public relations and public affairs summit being led by PR1776.