🏘️ How to Talk to Your Neighbors About School Choice

Jul 6

You don’t need a degree in policy to start a conversation that changes your community.
Right now, Texas is making major changes to how schools are funded and what options families have. But most people—just like you—are still trying to figure out what it all means. That’s why talking to your neighbors about school choice is one of the most powerful things you can do.

This guide will help you:

Feel confident bringing up school choice without conflict
Know where and how to have these conversations
Understand what to listen for—and why it matters
Recognize your role in building shared understanding and shared action

🤝 Why Talk to Your Neighbors?

Because you’re not the only one with questions.

Most people aren’t reading legislation. Most people don’t know how school funding works. Most people feel like education policy is “too complicated” to engage with. But when someone they know—a neighbor, a parent, a familiar face—starts a conversation, they listen.

These conversations:

Spread awareness
Challenge misinformation
Build trust and connection
Create momentum for community action

💬 What Can You Talk About?

You don’t have to explain every detail of SB2 or how the ESA program works. You just need to ask good questions and create space to share stories.

Here are a few openers you can try:

“Have you been following what’s happening with the school choice bill?”
“I just learned how public schools lose funding when students leave. Did you know that?”
“How do you feel about using public money to pay for private school tuition?”
“I’m trying to figure out how this will affect our local schools—especially the one down the street. What do you think?”

The goal is not to convince anyone of anything. The goal is to connect, listen, and learn together.

📍 Where Do These Conversations Happen?

Anywhere people naturally gather and feel safe talking about life and values.

Here are some common and overlooked places where school choice conversations can spark:

🏫 Standard Spaces

PTA meetings
School board meetings
District-hosted town halls or budget forums
Neighborhood association meetings
Faith-based events and gatherings

🌱 Everyday/Unique Spaces

Your front yard or apartment complex
After-church coffee hour
Barbershops and salons
Family cookouts and birthday parties
Book clubs or parent playdates
Your local library’s bulletin board or community calendar

You don’t have to wait for a formal event. A conversation on the porch can matter just as much.

👂 What to Listen For

When you talk to people, listen to what they’re worried about. You’ll likely hear things like:

“I just want my kid to be safe and get a good education.”
“We can’t afford private school even with a voucher.”
“If our school loses more teachers, we’re in trouble.”
“I didn’t even know this bill passed. What does it mean for us?”

These concerns can guide you to:

Share what you’ve learned
Ask better questions
Connect them with tools and resources
Invite them to the next local meeting or advocacy group

🛠️ Tips for Productive Conversations

Be curious, not combative. You don’t have to agree on everything to build shared understanding.
Use simple, clear language. Avoid acronyms or policy jargon. Speak from personal experience.
Lead with care. You’re not talking about test scores—you’re talking about real kids, real teachers, and real neighborhoods.
Be honest if you don’t know. “I’m still learning too” builds trust faster than pretending to be an expert.
Follow up. Share an article, send a resource, or invite them to something local.

🌱 What Happens After You Talk?

You become part of something bigger. One conversation leads to another. Questions become action. And soon, your community starts moving together.

You don’t need a podium to be a leader.
You just need to open your mouth, ask a question, and hold space for others to do the same.

That’s how we build political awareness. That’s how we move from confusion to clarity. That’s how we make democracy real.

By Ashanti Sears

Complete Optimization