[NLA] Re: National Literacy Day -- Challenge

[JCretella@aol.com]

NLA,  The response that the hoopla about the NIFL nominees has died down is 
so typical of the way educators (Most, including some on this list) advocate. 
They get all hot and bothered for a few weeks...They are "outraged' and all 
those other reactive emotional kinds of words..then nothing...when we go 
away, policy makers do what they wanted to in the first 
place...usually...What we have yet to understand is that advocacy is a year- 
round activity in DC and state capitols and home districts...It is being in 
touch often, even to ask the status of some legislation or funding. It is to 
offer assistance to those who have supported our positions, it is saying 
thank you once in a while. It is inviting those we want to impress to our 
centers and classrooms. In short it is a year round give and take and a 
willingness to understand and support a legislator...It is not just "gimme" 
or "we want",> It is not just grandstanding on this list or any list about I, 
I, I...Advocacy is hard work. Remember the advice by  LBJ (and he probably 
borrowed it, I"m sure) "Make friends before you need them!" Thanks for 
listening. Jay Cretella
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