We are just regular parents, juggling kids and jobs, trying to work together to get our kids what they deserve.
What has SOS Amherst been up to? – The answer is A LOT, and we need your help. See something you want to get more active in helping with – just say the word! Have an idea not on this list – throw it out to the group – all ideas welcome!
- Getting the word out in the press. See articles in Indy and Amherst College Student, with more press coverage in the works. More op-eds from concerned families would be good – would you like to write one? Collaborate on one?
- Working on a strategy for State-level Advocacy – Ellen Boucher is taking the lead on this and we will have action items for the group shortly
- Exploring ways to effect electoral change in Amherst in November – a small group of us are discussing options, exploring pros/cons to starting a PAC, and starting to think ahead to how we change our Town Council to better represent the needs of families with school-aged children. If you would like to join us, email me and I will add you to the “PAC People” group
- Lawn signs – A few people from the group have taken this on and we will have an update soon on how you can get your lawn sign to show support for our schools
- The People’s Town Hall – We are planning an in-person event in April (final date TBD – should be announced next week). We will send out a separate email requesting help shortly.
- Tracking our efforts and outreach – There were 144 comments at the two School Committee budget hearings, approx. 100 people at our rally, 57 public comments submitted in writing to Town Council on school funding since November (vastly outnumbering any other subject), our Google Group is almost at 100 participants and our Instagram at almost 150 followers – please continue to spread the word.
- Working with other community groups – Networking with SEPAC and APEA so we can all collaborate to push this effort forward
- Networking with folks in other communities in Massachusetts via a new FB group started by organizers in other communities and especially with SOS Northampton – hoping to network more with folks in Belchertown too.
- Amherst Charter Review – Amherst’s Town Charter is being reviewed this year – and there are things in it that we should pay attention to as many town processes currently work to the disadvantage of the schools – There will be opportunities to weigh in on this shortly.
- Website – Thanks to Emily Chandler for creating our website and keeping it up to date as a great resource. Visit it at www.arpsparents.com.
- Instagram – Trying to broaden our outreach with Social Media – follow us at sosamherst
- Ideas for future action – April 5th Global Village Celebration in Amherst & April 19th opening day of the Amherst Farmers Market – two possible dates for leafleting or other action. Have an idea? Suggest it – let’s keep the momentum going.