[MCAEnews] The MCAE Advocate - Online Edition

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Volume 2, Issue 1
  


E-Newsletter Date: March 2005
  
MCAE Advocate
 
MCAE Mobilizes Members Against Proposed ABE Federal Budget Cuts
In opposition to the 66% cut in federal ABE funds proposed by the Bush
Administration, MCAE conducted 5 regional meetings to mobilize MCAE members
and others committed to adult basic education.  Everyone was asked to call,
fax and send letters to Senators Kennedy and Kerry, and Congressional
representatives.  As a direct result of your terrific efforts, here's our
latest count: more than 500 calls were made, more than 1,900 faxes were
sent, and more than 9,800 letters were sent!  Because you made your voice
heard, the U.S. Senate approved, by a vote of 51-49, an education budget
amendment sponsored by Senator Kennedy to restore the federal education
cuts, including adult basic education.  Please take time now to write a
letter of thanks to Senator Kennedy for his leadership on this issue and
deep commitment to adult basic education, and to Senator Kerry for voting
for the amendment.  If you have made calls, sent faxes and mailed letters
that we don't know about, please be sure to report back to your regional
coordinator so we can have an updated tally of our activity. 
Boston:  Mary Mello (mello at bostonabcd.org);    Central:  Cathy Gannon
(cgannon at qcc.mass.edu);   Northeast:  Don Edwards
(edwardsdon at mindspring.com);   Southeast:  Suzanne Martin
(martin at ci.brockton.ma.us);   West:  George Kohout (gkohout at hcc.mass.edu)
 
Applications Now Available for Two Scholarship Programs
The Board of Directors at MCAE has approved the 2005 Scholarship Programs.
A scholarship/stipend will be awarded to adult education professionals in
search of additional professional development training.  In addition, the
MCAE-Sissy Gaudet Scholarship will be offered to qualified applicants who
are GED graduates from a recognized Adult Basic Education program in the
state of Massachusetts who are planning to go on to a post-secondary
program.  Both awards can be used in the fall 2005 and/or spring 2006
semesters.  The dollar value and number of scholarships awarded for each
program will be determined by the number and qualifications of applicants.
The maximum amount offered will be not more than $1000.00 per applicant each
year.   If you have not won a scholarship award from MCAE in the past, and
are interested in applying, you can find the scholarship criteria,
directions and applications by visiting the MCAE website at www.mcae.net
<http://www.mcae.net/> .  Whether you plan to apply your award for the fall
or spring semesters, the deadline for submission for both scholarship
programs is May 20, 2005 at 5:00PM.  Good Luck!
 
Regional Organizers Meet on Funding for Adult Education
Leaders of the Inter-Valley Project, the Organizing Leadership and Training
Center and the Anti-Displacement Project have initiated a New England-wide
campaign to protect and expand ABE, along with job training and affordable
housing.  MCAE members are encouraged to join in this campaign by attending
a joint action meeting that will be held on Saturday, May 21 from
1:00-2:30PM in Manchester, NH.  Organizers already expect this meeting to
attract approximately 1000 people from groups representing low and
middle-income families.  You are invited to come and talk to your US
Congresspeople who will be in attendance, and urge them to support ABE and
other valuable federal programs.  For more information you can call Ken
Galdston at (617) 796-8836.
 
What You Need to Know About Network 2005 Conference Registration
As we gear up to send out Calls for Presenters next month, MCAE continues to
move itself into the 21st Century with the development of a new registration
system!  Starting this fall, conference registration will be new, automated
faster and easier.  Signing up for workshops for Network 2005 will be done
completely online via our web page at www.mcae.net <http://www.mcae.net/>  .
Our new web-based registration system will not only assist you in the
process of conference registration, but also move you quickly and simply
through the process of joining or renewing your membership.  If you do not
have access to a computer either through your job or at home, provisions
will be made for these rare instances.  Please remember that MCAE staff is
here to work with you to help make the registration process a smooth ride!
Details about registration for fall will be mailed to you well before we
begin accepting submissions, but if you have immediate questions, you can
send them to info at mcae.net.  
 
Mass Campaign for Single-Payer Health Care
The organization, MASS-CARE, has a dream that all residents of the
Commonwealth will someday be covered by an affordable health care system.
MASS-CARE is a coalition of over 90 organizations which are dedicated to
work for universal single payer health care in Massachusetts.  If you are
interested in this issue, contact MASS-CARE to find out more about
single-payer health care at www.masscare.org <http://www.masscare.org/>  or
(617) 723-7001.
 
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