School communities provide great opportunities for action. They’re typically smaller communities of people who share a common purpose and values.

Whether you’re involved with an elementary or secondary school, community college or university, private or public institution, you can influence the school’s policies and actions—and provide an example for other schools to follow. Students, parents, staff, alumni, donors, and community partners all have clout.

Depending on the school and your own experience, you might start with transportation, energy use, cafeteria practices, investments, political action, or curriculum. It’s often most effective to start with a single, tangible accomplishment, and then build on that with the allies you develop along the way.