Forum

Reclaim and Rewrite: Crafting Positive Messaging to Champion the Promise of Public Education

Wednesday, July 23 | 9:00am

9am - Noon PT / Noon - 3pm ET

Why Your Voice Matters Right Now

Public education faces unprecedented attacks, but current advocacy often focuses on what's wrong rather than what's possible. Research shows that engaging, goal-oriented messaging builds more support than defensive responses. We're bringing together advocates to explore how to shift from reactive defense to proactive vision-creating.

What You'll Experience

Join 75 education advocates, civil rights leaders, and student voices from across the country for a strategy session combining research presentations, expert insights, and collaborative dialogue. The session will include presentations on communications messaging research, facilitated discussions with field leaders and students, and opportunities to contribute your perspectives.

What the Virtual Session Covers

This convening explores how research-backed messaging can strengthen advocacy for public education. The agenda includes presentations on communications research from Perception Institute, conversations with field leaders and students, and group discussions about messaging approaches.

Session Components

Research Presentations — Communications research on messaging strategies for public education advocacy
Featured Discussions — Conversations with education advocates, civil rights leaders, and student voices
Group Work — Collaborative discussions about messaging frameworks
Resource Sharing — Messaging approaches that organizations can adapt

What We'll Work on Together

During the session, we'll develop messaging frameworks grounded in research about what builds support for public education. The goal is to create shared approaches to talking about public education that move beyond defensive responses.

Who's Participating

Education advocates, civil rights attorneys, communications professionals, philanthropic partners, policy experts, and 10+ student leaders from across the country will participate in the discussions.

Student participants will include:

			Aubrey Patton "I am a sophomore at Spelman College majoring in Political Science with double minors in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Management & Organization on the pre-law track. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I am passionate about educational equity, particularly through legal advocacy, and aspire to use law and business as tools for systemic change. I am especially committed to bridging access to opportunity for underserved communities through public service, policy reform, and innovation."
Jessica Reclusado "As a Hispanic-Asian first-generation college student, I’m focused on building a financially stable future for myself and my family by pursuing opportunities that education makes possible. Education opens doors to financial stability and personal growth—opportunities that wouldn’t be available to me otherwise. I’m currently studying Data Science, with a strong interest in Cognitive Science and Neuroscience!"
			Taylor Palmer A 17-year-old senior at Ballard High School, Taylor likes to be creative and run track.
Amaru Landrón “I am 20 years old. I am a creative writer, advocate and musician. I am a student of Digital Media Production at SUNY New Paltz and the president of the New Paltz Culinary Club.”
			Anna Swedlow "I'm from Berkeley, California. I’m passionate about public health, justice, and law. I’m especially committed to educating others about their rights in these areas."
Destiny Peabody "I am a member of the Future Ancestors, a student led organization created in honor of Breonna Taylor. I am going to the University of Louisville in the Fall to pursue my Bachelors of Science in Nursing to eventually become a pediatric nurse. I spend my time reading, out in my community or at work at the hospital. I am honored and excited to have this experience!"
			Imad Adam "I'm a rising senior at Dewitt Clinton High School. I have taken many leadership roles at my school, and I have a great interest in the arts."
Warda Malonda "I am from Louisville, Kentucky, originally born in Cameroon. This fall I will be attending the University of Kentucky and majoring in Neuroscience."
			Maurice Fox "I am a sophomore in high school from Austin, Texas with a strong interest in learning and educating others about equity. One of my previous experiences includes presenting my AI chatbot, Guardian, at Huston-Tillotson University, which was designed to help people reevaluate and update their understanding of their rights. I am passionate about using technology and education as tools to promote social justice and empower communities. My goal is to continue creating innovative solutions that support equity and inspire meaningful change. "
Lillian Bilensky "I’m a rising Senior at Berkeley High School in Berkeley, California. I’m passionate about serving my community through uplifting and advocating for my peers as well as supporting members of the community who may have less resources accessible to them. I’m appreciative of this opportunity and exited to collaborate with others!"
			Arella Fries "I’m a rising senior at Berkeley High School in Berkeley, CA. I’m passionate about advocating for my fellow students and close family members who face learning challenges and need more support from the public education system. I’m excited about this opportunity to learn from others, listen to different perspectives, and share my own."
Angel Morales "I'm a 20 year old computer science major from Northern Illinois University double minoring in music and math. I believe every little action you make has a ripple effect. When you stand up for just one person, you can change the world for many." "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted" -Aesop
			Lina Alhasan "I’m a college junior in Chicago studying Business Administration with a focus in Marketing and Pre-Law, and I’m deeply committed to advocacy. Whether I’m organizing, speaking out, or standing with communities that are often pushed aside, my commitment to advocacy drives everything I do. With my positions in student organizations, coalition-building, civic engagement teams, and volunteering, I’m constantly finding ways to connect, uplift, and push for meaningful change. I’m focused on creating spaces where everyone has a voice, not just a seat."
Carmen Espinoza-Sissoko "I am from Louisville, Kentucky and am attending UofL to major in psychology to achieve my dream career as a mental health professional. I am the co executive director of a social justice organization called the Future Ancestors. We annually host the Race4Justice in honor of Breonna Taylor and raise money for local nonprofit organizations in need of advocacy, liberation, and aid!"