Take Action

So, you’re ready to make a difference on behalf of the millions of children in New York State who may not be able to participate in world language education in the future? Welcome to the area of this website where you can take your advocacy to new levels! Now, let’s get to work!

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MATERIALS TO ADVOCATE FOR WORLD LANGUAGE EDUCATION IN YOUR SCHOOL/DISTRICT

flier thumbnailHelp your school counselors, administrators and school board members understand the critical need for world language study as well as NYS world language requirements and options.  This flier contains all they need to know!
flier thumbnailUse these talking points to inform school administrators about the newly revised world language learning standards. It includes the NYSED timeline for its implementation and details the allocation of time and money needed for the transition. This flier also explains the areas where the former name “LOTE” needs to be revised to “world languages.
video thumbnailWatch this 12-minute video with the accompanying facilitation guide, which explains the above flier in further detail. Invite counselors and administrators to a department meeting and view this video together while discussing the questions from the guide. Share the link with your superintendent, school board members, parents and appropriate community members.
envelope iconUse this email template to invite your counselors, administrators and board members to your department meeting to view and discuss the above video with our facilitation guide!
Take some time to explore the many resources available for world language advocacy through this BINGO CHALLENGE.

WL Bingo

Advocacy ideas to get the ball rolling . . .

  • Call your legislators’ offices! You will be speaking with an aide or secretary. Prepare your message: Give your name and address; ask your representative or senator to support bills and grants which support world language learning. Ask them to oppose cuts that will eliminate or reduce world language programs. Say “thank you” and “good-bye”!
  • Keep your NYSAFLT membership active! You will benefit greatly from up-to-date information state and national language and government organizations. Among other perks, you will be eligible for teacher and student scholarships and grants as well as gain access to job placement services. NYSAFLT benefits by having a larger voice.
  • Sneak a link!  Add quotations or links to your email signature. Connect your students, parents and colleagues with NYSAFLT’s advocacy or Parents as Language Partner pages.
  • Actively teach the importance of knowing other languages and cultures! Have your students explore the latest research. Bring guests to your classroom that showcase these benefits.
  • Be visible! Students out and about in the community as volunteers, holiday helpers, concert ushers, and so on, with their language club (or class) tee shirt (or button) is a win-win for your students, their families and those you help.
  • Let your students speak! Have your students share their new findings or experiences regarding travel, clubs, languages and cultures through school media outlets and local publications.
  • Attend your BOE meetings! Update your Board of Education on the progress of your students as well as travel and club activities. Have your students share experiences and thank the Board for their support of your programs.
  • Involve your parents! Be sure to invite parents to help out at club events, classroom activities and as guests to special events.
  • Invite district administrators and Board Members to special events or even to help out with fun classroom activities.
  • Recruit your non-WL colleagues to collaborate for special celebrations, such as Earth Day, or on specific lessons.
  • Invite local business personnel to speak to your students about the importance of knowing other languages and cultures.
  • Travel with your students! What better way to teach your students to become advocates themselves. Click here for details.