Education in North Carolina seems to be in perpetual crisis mode.  In all honesty, we have a mess.  We still have a class size mandate that is draining our counties of funds and space.  We have a dreadful principal pay policy with consequences on the horizon.  There are no textbooks in many schools;  there are few TAs.  That doesn’t even to begin to address the many issues our teachers face everyday in the classroom.  It is hard to look back and be thankful.

Yet, I’m very thankful.   What a wonderful experience seeing a bill like HB90 get passed.  It was ugly and dirty, but it wouldn’t have happened at all without us.  It wasn’t what we envisioned.  However, how many times did we hear they wouldn’t take up class size.  How many times were we told it was impossible.  I’m thankful we didn’t listen.

I’m thankful for some solid changes to our General Assembly.  We have broken the super majority in the house and senate.  It may not yield drastic changes, but it will change things in NCGA.  I’m especially proud and thankful for everyone who stepped up and worked on campaigns.  Doors were knocked, text and phone calls sent, and postcards written.  I’m thankful for all the hard work to get us in a better starting place then when I began my little advocacy journey.

I’m thankful I got involved.  I’m thankful that I found my voice and new purpose.  Most of all I’m thankful that I get the chance to interact with all of you. I’ve made real solid friendships.  Somehow over coffee meetings and planning rallies, friendships have been forged.  It continues to drive me forward.  I don’t get out much, well except town halls, teach-ins, or lobby days.  I once went alone not anticipating knowing or seeing anyone I knew.  Now, I go to town halls and education events and I’m surrounded by friends and faces I have grown to love.  I am now part of this great education advocate community, and that is why I give thanks.

So let’s celebrate a little.  Let’s talk as human beings not just as advocates.  Let’s share what we want to get accomplished this coming year.  Regardless of what group you are part of, let’s all work together to make solid positive change to our public education funding.

When: Anytime 5pm – 8pm December 5th, 2018

Where: Jordan Lake Brewing Company: 320 E. Durham Rd., Cary NC

What: A celebration and meeting of education advocates.  Parents, Teachers, Community Members, Advocacy Groups, EVERYONE!

We hope to do this again in other locations in other parts of the state!