School Board Advocacy

School Board Advocacy: Why It Matters and How to Get Involved

School boards have enormous influence over what happens in classrooms. From bathroom policies to club recognition, from curriculum rules to teacher training, these elected bodies decide what is allowed, what is encouraged, and what is erased. For LGBTQ+ students and families, this is where many of the most important fights are happening.

While state laws set the framework, school boards often determine how those laws are interpreted and enforced. That means speaking up at a school board meeting can directly impact your school and your district.

What School Boards Decide

In Florida, each of the state’s 67 school districts has its own school board. These boards vote on official policies, approve instructional materials, decide whether to recognize student clubs, and adopt or repeal diversity protections. They are also responsible for enforcing state mandates like the Parental Rights in Education Act and HB 1521.

But how they enforce those laws can vary. Some school boards move quickly to restrict LGBTQ+ expression. Others find ways to protect students while staying within legal limits.

Broward County Public Schools is a clear example. In recent years, its board has passed public resolutions supporting LGBTQ+ History Month and affirming the existence of GSAs. These are not just symbolic. They create space for student-led visibility and signal that affirming practices are still possible.

How to Speak at a Meeting

Anyone can sign up to speak at a Florida school board meeting. You do not need to be 18 or have a parent’s permission. Here are the basics:

• Check the board website for meeting dates and speaker deadlines. Some require sign-up one or two days in advance.

• Look at the agenda to see if items related to LGBTQ+ rights, curriculum, or student groups are listed. Some items appear on the consent agenda, which can be passed without discussion unless someone pulls them.

• Prepare a short comment. Most districts allow one to three minutes. Focus on what the policy means for you or someone you care about.

• Be specific. Ask the board to vote yes or no on a particular item, or to make a clear change to an existing rule or practice.

If you are nervous, bring a friend or speak as a group. You can also submit written comment by email if you cannot attend in person.

What You Can Expect

Sometimes board members will thank you. Sometimes they will ignore you. Sometimes you will be speaking in a room where people are hostile to LGBTQ+ rights. That does not mean you are doing it wrong. It means your voice is needed.

Even if the policy passes, your words become part of the public record. They shape future conversations. They give others the courage to speak next time.

Change is often slow. But when students and families show up consistently, it makes a difference.

Why Local Action Still Matters

In recent years, LGBTQ+ advocates have stopped book bans, protected GSAs, and slowed the repeal of equity policies—all by organizing around school boards. These are winnable fights. But they take coordination, courage, and presence.

PRISM is here to help. We offer reminders, speaker training, talking points, and on-the-ground support for school board advocacy across Florida. Whether you are giving your first public comment or leading your entire GSA, we want to work with you.

Your story can change the conversation. Your voice can shape policy. And your presence can shift power.