We speak with Mike Gottesman, founder of New Jersey Public Education Coalition (NJPEC), a grassroots organization that educates and activates NJ citizens in school districts to protect the integrity of schools from conservative extremist groups. NJPEC organizes on-the-ground support for community members and provides information for school board candidates. In its first year, the Coalition has grown to 1500 members along with subject matter experts and partner organizations.
Overview
00:00-00:42 Intros
00:42-02:19 Reasons for starting NJ Public Education Coalition
02:19-03:35 Hot button issues
03:35-05:11 Sex ed curriculum issues
05:11-06:19 10 committees/tactics
06:19-09:45 Observing districts, engaging parents
09:45-11:17 Educational road shows
11:17-12:47 Engaging seniors
12:47-13:20 Title IX
13:20-16:16 Examples of engagement in districts: Millstone, Hamilton
16:16-18:24 School board meetings
18:24-19:28 Working with (but not endorsing) school board candidates
19:28-24:22 Contacting legislators, drafting legislation
24:22-26:24 Increasing voter turnout
26:24-27:46 How to contact NJPEC
27:46-28:41 Contacts with groups in other states
28:41- Outro
Transcript
Click here to see the full transcription of this episode.
References
Photo by NJPEC
Soundtrack by Poddington Bear
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