Back-to-school time means a fresh start with new faces and new experiences. It also brings a new opportunity for educators to renew their commitment to being politically active. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, you too can get involved.

The ATPE website is a convenient place to find the latest information from the Capitol, state agencies and Washington, D.C. The Legislative Update is updated regularly with information on ATPE priority legislation, agency hearings and ATPE business. You’ll also find in-depth issue analysis, tips on communicating with elected officials, ATPE’s Legislative Program and more at atpe.org.

ATPE’s Legislative Alert Network (LAN) is another way to stay plugged in to the political scene. This free e-mail service helps you communicate directly with your legislators on the issues that matter to you. As a member of the LAN, you will receive two types of e-mail notices: issue updates, which keep you informed about the latest news from Austin and Washington, D.C., and action alerts, which let you know when and how to contact your elected officials to influence important votes and decisions. Sign up by providing your e-mail address at www.atpe.org/Advocacy/LAN/lanpromo.asp. LAN members also have exclusive access to ATPE’s Advocacy Center, which connects you directly with your legislators through an automated e-mail system.

Don’t have much time but have a little extra money? Donate to the ATPE Political Action Committee (ATPE-PAC). ATPE-PAC makes donations on a nonpartisan basis to candidates and officeholders who have demonstrated support for public education and ATPE’s philosophies. There are several ways to donate to ATPE-PAC: online, at ATPE events or over the phone. Visit www.atpe.org/Advocacy/ATPEPAC/pac.asp for more information.

Every election cycle, ATPE surveys candidates for the Texas Legislature to find out where they stand on important education issues. This year, several candidates for the State Board of Education were surveyed as well. ATPE compiles these responses, as well as voting records and other public information, into fliers that compare the candidates in contested races side-by-side. The fliers will be posted on the ATPE website nearer to election time. You can also find the results of ATPE’s gubernatorial candidate survey in the fall issue of ATPE News.

If you’re not near a computer but still want to know what’s going on, call the ATPE Hotline. This recorded phone message provides you with updates on legislative happenings. You can reach the hotline by calling (800) 777-ATPE after business hours. During business hours, simply ask the receptionist to connect you to the hotline.

Questions? Contact ATPE Governmental Relations.