PROJECT OVERVIEW
“Partnering with P.A.C.E. has allowed us to significantly increase our capacity for impact. With their strategic guidance and support, we’ve not only achieved key wins—like securing a special education audit—but also amplified the voices of parents and students who have been historically underserved.”
— Kim Dukes, Executive Director of The Atlanta Thrive
The partnership between P.A.C.E. and The Atlanta Thrive showcases how strategic advocacy and communications can drive meaningful policy changes, even in complex systems like APS. The campaign has already laid the groundwork for future reforms, and there is immense potential for continued growth and impact through targeted support that transforms awareness into action.
For the past nine months, P.A.C.E. (Partners in Advocacy, Communications, and Engagement) has partnered with The Atlanta Thrive, a parent-led and parent-focused organization dedicated to empowering communities to advocate for equitable educational policies in Atlanta Public Schools (APS). In the spring of 2024, The Atlanta Thrive launched the Don’t Dis-the-ability campaign, born out of growing concerns among parents and caregivers about inadequate referrals, evaluations, timelines and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or students with disabilities. The campaign has focused specifically on improving special education services in APS, ensuring that students with disabilities receive the resources and support they need.
Petition Success
758 signatures
The petition, which called for an audit of APS’s special education services, received 758 signatures. This was achieved through entirely organic outreach—without paid social media promotion—demonstrating the power of grassroots engagement. This initial win coincided with the appointment of a new APS Superintendent, Dr. Bryan Johnson, who is willing to engage with new data and make meaningful changes.
Audit and Stakeholder Engagement
Thrive’s petition advocacy efforts led to APS conducting the requested audit, and Dr. Bryan Johnson has shown positive engagement with Thrive and other stakeholders. This represents a crucial step in ensuring that future policy changes are grounded in data and driven by community needs. With this opportunity in hand, Thrive doubled down on its efforts to hold APS accountable for delivering effective services to students with disabilities.
Op-Ed Impact
Thrive Executive Director Kim Dukes penned a compelling op-ed in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in July 2024, urging Dr. Johnson to prioritize special education reforms. The piece was a call to action for APS leadership to focus on ensuring that IEPs effectively deliver the necessary services for students with disabilities. This public appeal helped keep pressure on the district and raised awareness of the campaign’s goals.
Summer Fellowship and Town Hall
52 attendees
Thrive organized a Summer Special Education Fellowship, and in September 2024, hosted a town hall event attended by 52 individuals, including both petition signers and other community members. The event was a vital opportunity for stakeholders to hear directly from Thrive and APS leadership, demonstrating the growth and consistency of the campaign’s impact.
Through this collaboration, P.A.C.E. has worked to amplify Thrive’s impact, providing strategic support, data-driven insights, and communications expertise to further its advocacy goals.
- P.A.C.E. has provided high-level campaign strategy and project management guidance to ensure the campaign stays focused on achieving its policy goals while maintaining momentum and adaptability.
- We developed clear, compelling content to bolster organizing and advocacy efforts and inform key stakeholders.
- integrated seamlessly with advocacy actions, helping build a consistent engagement ladder. We also leveraged the Murmuration platform for optimal tracking of outreach and engagement with constituents.
- Using Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests, we gathered up-to-date data on special education services in APS. This data was critical for informing Thrive’s advocacy and policy recommendations, allowing the organization to make informed, evidence-based arguments in meetings and public communications.
