Supporting Independent education

Tips on making your support of Independent schools known, including in the media through comments on news websites, calls to talkback radio and letters to the editor.

The section on writing to Members of Parliament includes guidelines on letters and links to parliamentary websites that detail how to contact individual MPs.

What can you do?

Independent Schools Victoria is a champion for choice and diversity.

Parents can support the Victorian Independent education sector by:

  • promoting the community projects undertaken by their children’s school
  • informing the wider community of the benefits Independent schools offer
  • responding to media articles and opinions, on social media, through letters to the editor, and online comments
  • participating in talkback radio discussions dealing with schooling issues
  • writing or speaking with local Members of Parliament (MP).

Writing to MPs

Guidelines on writing to a Member of Parliament

  1. Write to the appropriate MP and not to all of them.
  2. Address your letter using the MP’s correct name and title – you can find the addresses from Members of the House of Representatives here and Victorian Parliament MPs here.
  3. Introduce yourself as a concerned member of the public.
  4. Clearly state the purpose of your letter. For example: ‘I am writing to urge your support for/opposition to…’ or  ‘I am writing to ask you to support/ oppose…’.
  5. Focus on one issue only. Explain your concerns and how they impact the wider community and you as a voter. Support your personal views and experiences with facts. Stay focused and stick to your main points.
  6. Sample letters, postcard campaigns and emails are usually considered to be less effective than a personal, signed letter. Personalise sample letters to portray your own views and experience, and always use your own words.
  7. Ask for a response to your letter.
  8. Let the MP know if you have met, voted for or assisted with their election campaign.
  9. Never be rude, condescending or confrontational. Always be polite and courteous.
  10. Don’t forget to include your name, address, contact telephone number and email address.
  11. Encourage others who feel strongly about Independent schooling to write to their local MP as well.
  12. Encourage local MPs who support your position with thank you letters.

 

Media

Here are some suggestions for getting your view across in the media:

Social media

Online comments

Talk back radio

Letters to the editor