View details about each of our "Why in 5" topics:
What is "Why in 5"?
The "Why in 5" campaign for social justice is a way for NYSUT members to use a short set of talking points to educate others about significant social justice. It is for members to use in line at the grocery store checkout, at holiday time while attending a family dinner, or in the stands at a sporting event.
With today's political landscape, it is more important than ever that our members are educated about key issues and can help us educate the members of the communities they serve so that we can continue to improve the living and working conditions both locally and nationally.
How to use the "Why in 5" Cards
- Keep a set of the Why in 5 cards in your purse or wallet for those times when you need them. We never know when the opportunity will arise to engage in a meaningful conversation about one of these issues.
- Use the talking points on the cards when the opportunity arises.
- Utilize the website information to help you perfect and develop your elevator speech.
- Convince hearts and minds to join us in advocating for these very important issues, one conversation at a time.
Tips and Suggestions
- Do your homework. Before you use any set of talking points, be sure that you are familiar with the issue at hand and potential arguments that the opposition might raise. You can use our website materials to assist you in educating yourself on these issues.
- Keep it brief! Select 3 or 4 of the most important points or points you think will resonate best.
- Personalize your points. Use personal and community stories that help to illustrate your overall goal. Be sure to discuss the impact of the issue on the community at large or on individual members of your society.
- Provide a reason for action. Now shift the conversation and speculate how this issue can positively impact the life of the person you are speaking with, their family, and/or others they care about.
- Ask for help and share a "Why in 5" card. If the person you are speaking with seems interested in learning more and/or in helping us continue to educate others on key issues, ask them to join us in this campaign. Share a why in five card with them and ask them to have similar conversations with others.
- Express gratitude. You may not convince every person you meet to agree with you on every issue. But be sure to thank the person for engaging in the dialogue with you. Sometimes we have to agree to disagree. Remember, every time we ask people to question their belief system, real learning can take place. You are attempting to open up that space.
- Reflect. What went well? What talking points resonated? Which ones did not? Do you have more homework to do? What can you do to be better prepared for the next conversation?
