Activist or Advocate – Defending Public Education in Florida

Activist or Advocate? Can one really advocate for public education in a state hell bent on privatizing it without being labeled an activist?

How DO we advocate for public education without defending against the current attacks? Given the retaliatory nature of Florida’s current administration, it appears many “advocates” are laying low, metaphorically cowering in corners, in the hope they will, someday, be invited to a seat at the table or at least keep their job…

For more than a decade, I have been advocating for high quality public education for all of our children. I believe public schools are our communities’ greatest public assets and the education of children is a worthy investment. I believe all children, regardless of their specific needs or personal circumstance, deserve a high quality public education and I think, if properly funded, that education could and should be available at their local public school. I am not alone. Despite 25 years of persistently expanding private education choice options, Florida’s parents continue to overwhelmingly choose public schools and Florida’s communities continue to overwhelmingly support them. I have been studying Florida’s education policy for many years, and writing about if for almost 8 years. My early advocacy efforts began in support of improving funding and reducing the excessive amount of standardized testing that was sucking the joy of learning from my children’s classrooms. Now, I believe, the biggest risks to public education are the relentless shift to privatization and the disinformation campaigns designed to drive families away from public schools, so much of my current writing and advocacy work serves to educate individuals regarding the serious threats to our public schools.

Article IX of the Florida Constitution states “The education of children is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida. It is, therefore, a paramount duty of the state to make adequate provision for the education of all children residing within its borders. Adequate provision shall be made by law for a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools that allows students to obtain a high quality education…” I believe the Florida Legislature, which has been defunding public schools by diverting funds away towards unaccountable private options, has been derelict in their “paramount duty.”

To say the least, advocating for public education has been particularly challenging during the last few years in Florida (“soul crushing” might be a good descriptor.) What does it mean to advocate for public schools in Florida these days? Is it even possible to do so in a state where simply offering an alternative point of view to the governor’s agenda may be considered a direct attack requiring retaliation? (Just ask Disney or the Special Olympics.)

The other day, I was told that I was not an advocate, rather I was an activist – and they meant it in a negative way. Often the terms advocate and activist are used interchangeably but there are distinctions between advocacy and activism.

According to Merriam-Webster, advocacy means “the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal” and an advocate is someone who supports or argues for a cause or proposal. Advocates try to work within the system for effective change while persuading government officials and negotiating with them. Advocacy also describes speaking on behalf of a group or person. Advocates use their voice to support a cause. Meeting with lawmakers, using social media to educate the public or writing a letter to the editor (or even a blog…) are forms of advocacy.

Activism, on the other hand, is “a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue” and an activist is someone “who uses or supports strong actions (such as public protests) in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue.” Activists amplify their voice by taking vigorous actions – marches, protests, hunger strikes, etc. Activists are often motivated by a strong sense of moral or ethical conviction, and they may be willing to engage in civil disobedience or other forms of nonviolent resistance to achieve their goals.

For the record, I am motivated by strong moral conviction to do what is best for children and I have participated in a handful of marches, but have never organized one. I have never even considered a hunger strike but I have helped with several letter writing campaigns.

Activism is often more confrontational and focused on direct action, while advocacy is considered to be more collaborative – focused on education and persuasion. What is the distinction, though, in a place where opposition is constantly vilified (groomer, leftist, communist, radical, indoctrinator)? In a state where simply offering an alternative point of view is considered a direct attack, is speaking up during public comment activism or advocacy? Is making the public aware of harmful legislation or policies activism or advocacy? What about agreeing to be interviewed by the press? (Ask Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber about that one.)

What’s an advocate to do? Avoid significant opposition in the hopes of gaining that seat at the table? Risk retaliation for speaking up? In the meantime, damaging policies will be passed, funds will be diverted and advocates will be expected to reply “Thank you sir, may I have another?”

Whatever the label, despite the risks, I choose to continue to write, inform and defend our public schools. Please join me.