[AAACE-NLA] State Funding For ABE

[Bickerton, Robert P]

Let me add one addendum, re, visits and other contacts with legislators.  One shot deals have far more limited impact than visits and other contacts that continue at a sufficiently visible level over a long period of time.  So, if you plan an event to get 1,500 students to meet with the legislators on a single day, many other contacts for weeks/months prior to and after that even are essential -- otherwise all you end up with is a pat on the head for a brilliant "ice sculpture."
 
bob bickerton, MA

-----Original Message-----
From: aaace-nla-bounces at lists.literacytent.org [mailto:aaace-nla-bounces at lists.literacytent.org]On Behalf Of Ellison, Art
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2007 10:49 AM
To: National Literacy Advocacy List sponsored by AAACE
Subject: Re: [AAACE-NLA] State Funding For ABE



To the list, 

 

   Many states have annual organized visits by students to their state legislature (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts as well as others) Last year's event in Massachusetts brought 1,500 students to the legislature in  Boston. It was described by State Senator Dianne Wilkerson as "the largest one day lobbying effort that lawmakers have seen in a long time" and by one of the organizers as the "biggest event for literacy even the state of Massachusetts. 

 

 Many states have students involved constantly in letter writing or postcard campaigns on both the state and federal level.   Here in New Hampshire, as part of the recent successful campaign for additional state funding, students signed and sent 5,000 postcards to members of the state legislature. Students also testify at hearings of the NH House Finance Committee.  We also pair students with local program directors when they meet with the in-state staff of our two NH US Senators and two members of the House. 

 

 Art Ellison

 


  _____  


From: aaace-nla-bounces at lists.literacytent.org [mailto:aaace-nla-bounces at lists.literacytent.org] On Behalf Of Sarah Beaman-Jones
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2007 11:45 AM
To: National Literacy Advocacy List sponsored by AAACE
Subject: Re: [AAACE-NLA] State Funding For ABE

 

Dear Colleagues: 

The information on state funding for ABE is very interesting.  I wonder if it would be possible for someone states to briefly describe any advocacy actions taken whether it resulted in an increase or not.  Massachusetts is an outstanding example of effective advocacy.  Are there others?  Particularly important to me this year is any student advocacy.  In St. Louis this year we have three student interns who are working to generate student leadership for advocacy and participation in the COABE conference.  They are looking for examples in other states [and learned a great deal by attending the VALUE Leadership Institute.]  Has anyone had students write letters, speak to elected officials, or visit the state capital?


Sarah Beaman-Jones, 
Literacy Program Developer
LIFT-Missouri
815 Olive Street, Suite 22
St. Louis, MO  63101

314-678-4443 ext. 206
800-729-4443
314-678-2938 [fax]
sbeaman at webster.edu
www.lift-missouri.org



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