“Activist Lily Tomlin once said, ‘I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realized I am somebody.’ Our kids need us to be the ‘somebody’ to make sure decisionmakers don’t lose sight of the real people who will be either helped or harmed by their policy decisions. Parents need to be at the table to make sure decisionmakers create policies that not only work on paper but work well in the real world.” - Karla Reid-Witt, Citywide PLE Board and Ward 7 PLE Board member
It’s no secret that our work is driven by the powerful parent leaders whose collective voice are bringing CHANGE to the District!
So, today, we’re spotlighting SIX parent leaders who STEPPED UP in their advocacy by sharing their respective voices in featured media pieces to SPEAK OUT to amplify their stories, experiences, and the issues that matter most to them!
AN OP-ED FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
“My daughter’s experience illustrates a broader point: Even with a ‘comprehensive’ school-based mental health system, the actual support students can access can vary greatly.”
“Kiara Childs said she didn’t anticipate keeping her young daughter in virtual school for more than a year. But she still worried about sending her to in-person schooling this academic year, so re-enrolled her for first grade. Now, she said, her daughter is reading above grade level and doing well in school. With coronavirus transmission still high in the city, she plans to continue with the virtual school for second grade...
‘Eventually I am going to send her back to a brick and mortar school,’ she said. ‘Now it’s looking like it may be third grade.’”
“It’s really disheartening to know that, as we are trying to get out of COVID, to have an increase in prices, but to take away resources."
Ward 8 parent leader LaJoy J. Law is featured in an article for MarketWatch sharing the real, day-to-day financial decisions she must make to support her family after losing the support of the Child Tax Credit and as inflation rises.
“When this year’s DCPCVW rolled around, I was asked to take on roles posting to social media and asking questions to policymakers during our meetings. My instinct to demur flared up once again, but I was reminded of the quote that ‘if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu…’ I was glad I took my (figurative) seat at the table...” - Marisa Goldstein, Ward 4 PLE Board member
“During DCPVCW, I really wanted to see familiarity and a deeper commitment from [District leaders]…Throughout most of the meetings I attended, I felt like we were well received as parents, families, and a trusted set of minds advocating for change.” - Leigh Sims, Citywide PLE Board and Ward 6 PLE Board member
“As parents and educational advocates, we must step out of our comfort zones and [go]...where our children need us to be. So, when I was asked to Chair this year’s PAVE DC Parent Voice and Choice Week (DCPVCW) meeting with At-Large Councilmember Robert White, even though every cell in my body screamed, ‘No!’ I said ‘Yes.’” -Karla Reid-Witt, Citywide PLE Board and Ward 7 PLE Board member
SUPPORT THE VOICES AND VISIONS OF PAVE PARENT LEADERS!
Take 2 MINUTES today to support the voices of PAVE parent leaders!
Add your name to both Statements of Beliefs written BY parent leaders that share their visions and policy solutions for SBMH supports and OST programs! Together, our voices are powerful and can lead to long-term and impactful change in DC!
