Separate sub-thread for 'the how', because it's Ontario-specific, but could be adapted across Canada. If you're a parent or someone who cares about kids or women, with 8 weeks to go, how do we push govts to making smart decisions on school re-openings? https://twitter.com/ldobsonhughes/status/1280636731637800965

If there's anything I know, it's how you shift the risk-reward calculation for politicians, so they're incentivized to do the right thing. We start with a workback plan - a theory of change. If by Sept, the provincial govt is bring back schools full-time, what would have changed?

(This is going to turn into an advocacy plan workshop but this is what I do for a living so buckle up). Where are the pressure points for the ON govt? Why aren't they acting now? What do they care about, who do they listen to, and how do we direct our energy to that?

My sense is there's no appeal to Ford on the gender equality angle. They're fine with women at breaking point. The appeal is the economic angle, and the lower-middle class parents as a voter bloc

Advocacy on school re-openings should target the Premier, Finance Minister, Education Minister. It should focus on the $113bn women directly contribute to households, the impact if even 1/3 of women stop work, and the fiscal need to invest hard in education now for growth

Advocacy on school re-openings should also focus on the universal lack education. This isn't an issue faced by marginalized families who (wrongly and terribly) are often dismissed. Middle class, white families need to use their political capital to be allies here

Advocacy needs to be focused not at the level we experience education - schools or boards. I know it seems the evident place because it's where our kids go, and where the details matter. But they hold little sway in a theory of change. Deckchairs on the Titanic

Going back to shifting the risk-reward calculation for Ford. Schools are clearly not a priority for him. I haven't heard him even mention them in a month. Lecce is refusing all interviews. Media plays a big part in swaying decisions. How do we drive more media attention?

All that to say, parents (particularly white middle class) have political power. It is time to use that capital for people whose voices aren't listened to. Email your MPP, Ford, Lecce, and don't settle for no response. Organise small parent groups, host panels, demand ambition

Coordinate with your school WhatsApp group. Demand a virtual meeting with your MPP. Demand govt and opposition actually prioritize school reopening. Press them on a plan. Be clear your vote is determined by their response. Tell them how you'll react if they don't act

If you are in the ridings of Ford, Lecce or Phillips, you have supervoter power (I just made that up). But you have access/influence as a constituent, on their ministerial portfolios. The beauty of the Westminster system. So demand a meeting, and secure a follow-up