As you prepare for your summer break, don’t forget that being an advocate for your profession is a year-round job. Here are a few things you can do to stay dialed in this summer:

Sign up to receive updates from TeachtheVote.org—TeachtheVote.org is ATPE’s new website that makes it easy for voters to find information about legislative and State Board of Education candidates, including where candidates stand on important public education issues and ATPE priorities. Site users can sign up to receive email updates on upcoming election-related events and updates to the site. You do not have to be an ATPE member to take advantage of TeachtheVote.org, so be sure to spread the word to your friends and family.

Visit atpe.org—The Advocacy section of ATPE’s website is regularly updated with a wealth of information on legislative news, ATPE-priority legislation, agency hearings and ATPE business. On the site, you’ll also find in-depth issue analysis, information on ATPE’s Political Action Committee (ATPE-PAC), tips on communicating with elected officials and the ATPE Legislative Program.

Join the ATPE Legislative Alert Network (LAN)—The LAN is another way to stay plugged in to political news during the summer break. This free email alert service will help you stay informed and communicate directly with your legislators on the issues that matter to you as a Texas public school educator. If you are already a LAN member, please remember to submit your home email address so that you can continue to receive emails during the summer.

Donate to ATPE-PAC—ATPE-PAC accepts voluntary donations from ATPE members and makes financial contributions on a nonpartisan basis to officeholders and candidates who support public education and ATPE’s philosophies. ATPE-PAC expands your influence beyond your own legislative district and helps direct money to friends of public education who support the issues you care about.

Attend the 2012 ATPE Summit—This year’s summit will take place July 14–16 at the Austin Convention Center. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive hands-on training and hear from exciting guest speakers. Highlights include:

• The 32nd annual meeting of the ATPE House of Delegates (HOD) and state officer elections.
• Your choice of ATPE leader training and professional learning sessions and opportunities to speak directly with ATPE Governmental Relations staff members.

Visit www.atpe.org/summit for more information on the event.

Have a safe and happy summer!

Questions? Contact ATPE Governmental Relations.