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Introduction

For years teachers have been dubbed a "political sleeping giant." The Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, & Advancement aims to awaken "the giant" and encourage educators to become more politically active, especially regarding education policy decisions that  have a direct impact on education in South Carolina as well as on the national level. In taking a more active role in stimulating action, CERRA has developed this page (and others available on the menu along the right hand side of the page) to provide a framework and guidance to educators who may be uncertain as to what you should and should not do as a state employee. We hope you find this information useful. While this is a non-election year it is still vital that educators continue to speak up to ensure their collective voices are heard. Together, we can make a difference every day -- wake up "the giant."

 

Appropriate Civic Engagement as a State Employee

Being a public employee does not mean you cannot engage in public policy debate; it merely means you may not do so while at work or by using state-provided equipment, supplies and utilities.  In other words, communication as a private citizen should be done on your own time, keeping the following in mind:

  • Communications can be via personal e-mail accounts, but not via a district or school e-mail account. (Yahoo and Gmail, among others, will provide free accounts.)
  • Communications can be via personal telephones, but not via district or school-provided classroom, office or cell phones.
  • Communications can be via personal stationery, but not via district or school letterhead stationery.
  • Communications should be prepared via personal computer equipment/supplies, not district or school-owned computer equipment/supplies.
  • Contact/identifying information should reference personal address and phone number – not your district or school address and phone number.

All of the above district and school materials and equipment are provided for the employees’ use only in carrying out their officials assignments. To do otherwise, especially in terms of activities deemed “lobbying,” would constitute a violation of state policy.

  • Any district or school employee retains the rights of a private citizen – i.e, the right to contact officials in their respective personal capacities, using personal means.

 

Recommended Actions For State Employees

  • Imagine anything you say/write on the evening news, because it could be – and not always in a way beneficial to you, your district, or your school.
  • Know the record of your public official and tailor comments accordingly, rather than using template complaints that could be misplaced if directed to a supporter of one’s cause.
  • Acknowledge contextual, “big picture” circumstances that are beyond anyone’s control if those apply to your topic.
  • Let officials know you expect a response to your comments indicating their position.
  • Thank officials for their willingness to serve in office, even if you are disagreeing with them about a certain issue.