What do you think is the most effective way to turn this idea into real policy? Add your suggestions here for how you think we should run an advocacy campaign to advance the idea – including the overall strategy, messaging, targets, and tactics.

Approach this from the standpoint that people reading this forum already agree with you on the importance of the issue, and are asking "What can we do to help make this a reality?"

You can also comment on and rank the suggestions submitted by others.

1. 

   What are the critical thinking ethics learning tools to teach kids how to avoid organized crime through the course of their lives? @Globalcide

   Suggested by Matthew Tripp on 07/23/2009 @ 06:04PM PT

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2. 

   People on the autism spectrum could really use this. There are very, very smart people on the spectrum failing miserably in the education system. I've seen some success with what I call organic learning. Good examples of this are the computer geeky types who never made it through college but mentored each other in natural ways, developing the real life depth and breadth to create thriving computer businesses.
   
   Nowaways, computer education has grown into unnatural canned education, like everything else.
   

   Suggested by B B on 01/27/2009 @ 07:56PM PT

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3. 

        The following are my suggestions for mobilizing individuals to aid in educating our youth:1) Increase corporate recruitment efforts for individuals who mentor.  If students are aware that corporations value volunteerism, they will be more likely to seek those opportunities out.2) Reduce the stigma associated with low income and blighted areas.  This action will help by diminishing the fears associated with challenging public schools.  3) Potentially tie assistance funds to a requirement for public actions.  Instead of being viewed as purely a "hand out", opportunities for ownership may be shifted towards compensation.  This may not necessarily translate into more than just education programs or seeking additional training.  However, it is likely that some individuals may have more vigilance as a result.
   4) Have elected officials volunteer some of their leadership through the media by setting examples for others.  This could extend to professional athletes, doctors, lawyers and others.  (The NFL sponsors many volunteer efforts, like the Big Boys/Big Girls clubs and others.  However, more could be done.)5) Encourage national advertising through the tv and other media sources.  I would suggest that we try to make volunteering, and reading, more popular by focusing attention on it through popular sources.

   Suggested by William Pointer on 01/24/2009 @ 06:21PM PT

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4. 

   Treat Education (K-12) in low income and blyted areas of our nation as a National Security priority.  That will inable funds to flow from the Department of Defence as well as Homeland Security, for the purposes of mentoring, more social monitering for the families of kids at risk of failing due to living in a dysfunctional home Enviroment. Full or partial Scholarships to college students that are willing to volunteer mentorship hours in at risk schools.
   
   To my mind the lack of opportunity to attain a quality education for the least among us is the greatest threat to our National Security and should be treated as such.
   
   Thank you,
   Alejandro Quinonez

   Suggested by Alejandro Quinonez on 01/24/2009 @ 10:38AM PT

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