2009 Action Day Report
from PennAEYC Executive Director Jodi Askins
Since its modest beginnings four years ago, the grassroots Early Childhood Action Day campaign has been expanding - for the past two years, more than 500 educators, parents, and community members committed to developing quality early education programs in Pennsylvania have converged on the Rotunda of the Main Capitol building in Harrisburg.
This year was no different! More than 500 individuals converged on Harrisburg on May 12, bringing an urgent message to members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to support continued state investments in early learning programs. Every member of the legislature received our gift of The Little Engine that Could and information about the importance of these investments - and nearly every member was visited personally by constituents.
Bringing together those 500 individuals inside the Capitol, the rally speakers made sure our voices were heard throughout the halls! We welcomed new faces to the podium including business leaders, grandparents/seniors, parents and TEACH scholars. Everyone knew we were there in support of quality early learning opportunities for all PA children!
Thank you to all who attended and for those of you that participated from your local community through our virtual action day e-mails and faxes. Keep an eye out for continued messages on what we can do to keep encouraging our elected officials on stay on the right track!