It's time to Rally for Education!!

Calling all Advocates!!  It's time to Rally for Education!!
We are asking YOU to join the Virginia PTA and our coalition partners at Fund Our Schools VA in our Virtual Rally that will occur as the Virginia General Assembly convenes for its Special Session next week.  

All you need to do is snap a picture of yourself holding a sign or record a 20 second video requesting support for your top legislative priority from the list below and post it to your social media accounts beginning on August 18.  Be sure to tag your legislators in your posts to make sure they get the message and use the following:  #FundReturn2School  #FundNotFreeze  #VAPTAAdvocacy  
​#TakeAction4Kids.  Calls and e-mails to your legislators are also encouraged!  

Choose from the following legislative priorities that Virginia PTA is advocating for during the Special Session:

- Restore the $500M of K-12 funding that was unallotted in April
- Fund $600M for flexible K-12 pandemic response
- Accelerate funding for high-speed broadband
- Restore $50M for school counselors
- Provide a registered school nurse for every school
- Improve accessibility of licensed, affordable childcare
- Increase availability of rapid COVID-19 testing
- Fund compensatory services for students 
- Provide adequate sanitizing and safety equipment for schools
- Ensure school meals are provided during school closures
- Provide needed support for low income families

New to advocacy and have questions....well, we have answers:

What is the General Assembly Special Session and why does it matter?  
Governor Northam has called the General Assembly to come together for a Special Session to adopt the state's 2020-2022 budget.  Adoption of the 2-year budget was delayed earlier this year due to changes in projected revenue and expenses as a result of the pandemic.  As the General Assembly decides what to cut and what to fund during this fiscal crisis, it is more important than ever that we advocate for adequate funding for education, especially funds that will allow us to safely return to school.  

What are Virginia PTA's legislative priorities for the Special Session and how do I know which one to mention in my post?
Virginia PTA is advocating for the list of items below.  As with any advocacy, the most effective issues you can support are the ones that personally affect you or that you feel passionate about.  Pick an issue from the list that matters to you, your children, and/or your school community.  Then share your relevant experience directly with your legislator in the form of a social media post, call or e-mail and explain why it is important that your issue is funded.  You will have IMPACT!

How do I find out who my legislators are?
Visit https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/ and enter your address. For this Virtual Rally, you should reach out specifically to your State Delegate and State Senator. A quick search of their name on your preferred social media platform will direct you to their accounts for tagging and tweeting.

Still have questions? Reach out to Laura Espiritu at advocacy@huntdistrictpta.org.