Jill Jonassen: Advocating & Organizing for Change
Jill Jonassen
Class 3, Lead
What is your Vision for Impact Statement?
My vision is for more suburban parents to get engaged with what is happening at the school board level.
You have been very active with your local school community. Tell us about it!
I wrote three op-eds that were published in the Enquirer - America, we need to face our history – all of it, Arming teachers introduces new risks into schools and just recently We need to protect public education and our teachers. Last fall, I supported the campaigns of three school board candidates from the Lakota School District. And, I have partnered with School Board School to create a suburban strategy for parents in Cincinnati suburban school districts to organize and hold their board members accountable. As part of that strategy, I’ve spoken at a number of school board meetings.
How has being part of School Board School impacted your involvement in this work?
Before School Board School, I did not understand the power of a school board or how few community members are paying attention to what is happening in school districts at the governing level. Now I see what is happening, and I realize the importance of being involved and bringing others into this work.
What do you love about the work you do?
It’s easy to get upset about what’s happening in school districts across the nation. This work makes me feel less alone knowing that there are other parents out there who want what’s best for students and are willing to hold school board members accountable. It gives me hope.
How can the School Board School community support you in this work?
Share my op-ed pieces. These are critical topics in public education today and they need to be talked about.
Do you have advice for other people looking to get involved or take on new roles?
If you are grounded in your ‘why’ and have the support of others, you will find the energy to keep going. And, know that your voice matters!
Is there anything else you want to highlight?
