Background Information
Walk-In to Protect Our Students and Families
Students with disabilities and students from low-income families deserve every opportunity to reach their full potential, but their future is at risk from cuts to programs that every student depends on.
On Wednesday, March 19, join neighbors, leaders, and families like yours to make a powerful statement about what’s important to our community as the National Education Association and tens of thousands of educators, students, parents, and community allies mobilize across the country to protect our public schools.
To participate in this day of action, you can find a walk-in near you or host one at your own local school. If you have specific questions about how to make March 19 a success or want to connect with teams across the country to share ideas, contact [email protected].
What Are Walk-Ins?
Walk-ins are a type of collective action that can be used to show the power of the people who make our public schools and communities possible.
Walk-ins are positive actions that build solidarity among our neighbors and school employees as they feel the power of collective action without risking retaliation. Walk-ins build relationships.
During school walk-ins, parents, educators, and students, along with neighbors and community leaders, gather in front of their school 30-45 minutes before the school day begins.
We rally and listen to a few speakers discuss what they want for the school, and then we all walk into the school together. Walk-ins can be used to celebrate your school, collaborate with school officials, or protest harmful school conditions and policies.
On March 19th, the National School Walk-in will show lawmakers that we are united in our demand to protect our schools and our communities.
NEA is encouraging our state and local affiliates to join in spreading the message about these walk-ins so together we can help protect our public schools, students, and families.
Register to Join or Host a Walk-In
Spread the Word
Spread the Word
Our message gets more powerful with each additional person who joins us. Use these tools to spread the word about the national walk-in and invite your networks to get involved!
Key Talking Points
Copy & Paste Communications Guide
- Instagram: On March 19, educators, students, parents, and our allies are coming together to share a message of unity. We will walk hand in hand into our schools to remind elected leaders that we will protect our students and defend our public schools. Will you join us? Click the link in our bio to find a walk-in near you or host your own. [Add Graphic from Gallery Below]
- Facebook: On March 19, communities across the country are hosting school walk-ins to remind elected leaders that we are united in our support for students and public schools. Help us share this powerful message by joining an event near you or by signing up to host your own: nea.org/March19
- Bluesky/Threads/Other: When educators, students, families, and community members come together, there is nothing we cannot achieve. Join us to protect students and families on March 19 by attending or hosting a “walk-in” at your local school: nea.org/March19
Subject Line: Join us: Walk-in and speak up with us at [school name] on March 19th
Body:
FirstName/Friend,
America's students need more opportunities to succeed, and we need to strengthen our public schools where 90% of students - and 95% of students with disabilities - learn. And American families need community programs and resources to thrive.
We know that Donald Trump is letting Elon Musk, and his billionaire friends raid public education funding and programs like Medicaid to fund their tax cuts. But we will pay the bill.
On March 19, educators, students, parents, and our allies are coming together to share a message of unity. We will walk hand in hand into our schools to remind elected leaders that we will protect our students and defend our public schools. [Will you join us? Find a school walk-in in your community or host your own!]
<Register Here>
Our elected leaders will be returning to their districts as Congress goes on recess. Now is the time to send a message: their decisions in Washington, D.C., matter here at home.
Whether you are joining an existing walk-in or hosting your own, we have tools to help you every step of the way. [Find planning guides, communications toolkits, and more at nea.org/March19.]
We know our communities are united in support of our students, schools, and each other. On March 19, let’s remind our leaders that we are in this together.
In solidarity,
- SCRIPT: Hi <Member Name>, this is <Organizer Name> with <Affiliate Name>! We’re hosting a school walk-in on March 19 at [Location]. Will you join us? Reply STOP to quit
- IF YES: Great! Please RSVP to let us know you plan to attend here:! <Link>
- IF NO: I understand, <Member Name>. Thanks for your time!
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