We told the White House that “public education is a public good,” and now that message is picking up speed. This week we took to the airwaves with a feature spot on Essential Public Radio, Pittsburgh’s new NPR station. Have a listen, in case you missed Paul Gugenheimer interviewing Yinzercation’s Jessie Ramey (Wednesday, March 28, 2012):
The end of the interview got cut off announcing our three upcoming events in Southwest Pennsylvania. For the record, here they are:
- April 12th: North Hills Public Education Forum, North Hills High School auditorium, 7PM. This event is being sponsored by the North Hills School Directors Association (a consortium of 9 school districts) and Education Voters PA. This is in Rep. Mike Turzai’s district — he is a crucial legislator in this budget battle. Spread the word to everyone you know in the North Hills, North Allegheny, Shaler, Fox Chapel, Pine Richland, Northgate, Avonworth, Hampton, etc.
- April 14th: “Write Now! Education Matters” Education Advocacy Day at the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum. Volunteers and educators will help students write and publish letters, tweets, phone calls, screen prints, and paintings talking about why their public school matters. Children of all ages are encouraged to participate. Admission to the event is free (though there is a charge to enter the museum exhibits if you choose to do that). 10AM-2PM.
- April 17th: Yinzer Nation will be participating in the state-wide Mock Bake Sale in partnership with groups working through EdVoters PA. Instead of a typical tax day protest, we will send a message that we are united in using tax dollars to support our public schools. We will be saying, “I’m happy to pay my taxes to support my public school” and “Why isn’t PA asking corporations to pay their fair share today?” We plan to hand out cookies with a little note explaining what we’re doing and why. Because we can’t possibly sell enough cookies to make up for a $172 million budget gap for our schools in Southwest PA. 4-5:30PM, outside the Squirrel Hill Post Office.
Yinzercation 