Massachusetts
From LiteracyTentWiki
February 15, 2005
Massachusetts, has begun a major campaign. This week, in each of the five regions of the state there is an organizing/training session for practitioners and students, sponsored by the state coalition and led by volunteers. We're sending letters and faxes (we encourage people to fax and mail a copy at the same time) and we are making phone calls. Our goal is to generate 750 calls, letters or faxes to each of our ten Congressional representatives and both senators in Washington, D.C. -- an ambitious goal to reach by February 18th, especially for a relatively small state, but we're nothing in Massachusetts if not daring and ambitious! We also see this as a great opportunity for civics lessons about how students' tax dollars are spent, and how they can have a voice in those decisions. (See the Massachusetts Tax and Budget curriculum at http://www.mcae.net )
David J. Rosen
March 9, 2005
Our students write letters or make phone calls to their senators and representatives. When the letter is written or call is made, the student signs his/her name to the chart papers hanging in the hallway for all to see. On this chart paper we have the senator or representative's picture with a heading like "I contacted Senator Kennedy!" These charts not only help us to keep count of the contacts but they also help us to keep our students motivated.
Also-if a program in another state would like some ideas about advocacy to use with students, we would be happy to partner with them in any way.
Lisa Jochim, Director
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Workers' Education Program
March 25, 2005
Here's an update on Massachusetts' efforts and news of some New England-wide organizing efforts reported in the Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education (MCAE) Advocate E-newsletter, March, 2005
Massachusetts
"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!"
New England
"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".
David J. Rosen
