Parents are powerful advocates for their children and their communities. This workshop series is designed to equip families with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage effectively in Maine’s legislative process—particularly on issues impacting public education.

Through expert-led sessions, practical skill-building, and opportunities to learn from experienced advocacy leaders, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how school funding works, how laws are made, and how everyday people can influence public policy. The series aims to build collective capacity, strengthen parent voice, and foster informed civic engagement that advances educational equity for all students.

Participants will leave with:

• A foundational understanding of Maine’s school funding system
• Practical tools for legislative advocacy
• Real-world examples of successful advocacy campaigns
• Increased confidence to speak, write, and organize for change

All sessions will be held at Deering High School from 6:00-7:30 pm. All sessions will be recorded and posted on the Parent University website. Childcare available.

Session 1: Legislative Advocacy 101 — From Idea to Impact

Thursday, March 12, 2026 - 6:00-7:30 PM - Deering HS

Presenter: Betsy Sweet, Founder and Principal, Moose Ridge Associates

How does a bill become law in Maine? How can parents effectively influence legislation that impacts their children and schools?

This interactive session will demystify the legislative process and provide practical tools for engagement.  It will move participants from understanding to action, equipping them with concrete tools and increased confidence to advocate effectively at the State House and beyond.

Participants will learn:

• How the Maine legislative process works
• The role of committees and public hearings
• How to prepare and deliver compelling oral testimony
• How to write effective written testimony
• How to build relationships with legislators
• Strategies for organizing and mobilizing others
  
   

Session 2: Learning from Advocacy Leaders — A Panel Conversation

Wednesday, March 18 - 6:00-7:30 PM - Deering HS

Presenters:

• Destie Hohman Sprague, Executive Director, Maine Women's Lobby & MWL Education Fund
• Heather Marden, Co-Executive Director, Maine Association for the Education of Young Children (MAEYC)
• Julie Shirmer, Past President and Policy Chair, Maine Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-Maine)

What does successful advocacy look like in action?

This session provides inspiration, practical insight, and real-world examples of how organized community voices can shape public policy.  Participants will hear from leaders from organizations and other education-focused interest groups who have led impactful legislative campaigns.

Panelists will share:

• How they built coalitions
• Strategies that led to success
• Challenges they encountered and how they navigated them
• Lessons learned about sustaining advocacy efforts
• Advice for parents entering the advocacy space
   

Session 3: Understanding Maine’s Essential Programs and Services (EPS)

Thursday, April 2, 2026 - 6:00-7:30 PM - Deering HS

Presenter: Amy Johnson, PhD, Maine Education Policy Research Institute (MEPRI)

How does Maine determine how much funding public schools receive? What is Essential Programs and Services (EPS), and why does it matter to students and families?  What is the impact of the funding formula in Portland? What are the current suggested changes to the formula and how will they impact Portland?

In this session, Dr. Amy Johnson will provide a clear and accessible overview of Maine’s school funding formula. Participants will learn:

• What EPS is and how it works
• How state and local funding responsibilities are determined
• Key factors that influence funding levels
• Current challenges and policy considerations

This session builds the policy foundation necessary for informed and effective advocacy.