When we helped elect President Obama, we knew he aimed to invest in kids and working families. But electing the right leaders is only one step. We have to make sure we hold our leaders accountable! Here’s our plan for making sure state and national leaders make quality early care and education a priority.
April 15, 2015—“Fight for $15 and a Union” Rally
Join with fast food workers, other early educators, airport workers, retail clerks and even professors as we join together to fight income inequality. This will be the largest rally for fair wages ever. Tens of thousands are expected to march in cities across the country. Meet at the corner of Figueroa and 28th Streets near USC at 11:00 a.m. Learn more about this effort to raise wages throughout our communities.
April 25, 2015—“Speak Out in Our Communities” Training
Many of us are involved in community organizations, parent groups and local churches. These and other gatherings (even Tupperware parties!) are natural settings to have conversations about the importance of quality early education. Let’s get ready to talk to these groups about the need for early education in our communities! Come to this workshop and get comfortable telling others about our campaign to improve quality and access. The training will be at the SEIU Local 99 Downtown Office at 2724 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90005 and will be offered at two convenient times: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 to 3:30. Lunch will be provided between noon and 1:30. Please RSVP with Judy Vega, jvega@seiu99.org, 213-387-8393, ext. 115 by Friday, April 17. Please let Judy know at that time if you expect to have child care needs.
April 28-29, 2015—Our Midnight Ride for Early Care and Education
Join us late as we rally for SB 548, The Raising Child Care Quality and Accessibility Act, and then board buses at midnight to drive to Sacramento. Learn more about this important piece of legislation here. We’ll arrive early on the 29th, lobby legislators about the importance of investing in early ed, and then drive home to return late that evening knowing that we just made a difference for early education! Sign up to join us—reserve your space on the bus!
June 3, 2015—Rally for Summer Early Education
We want to draw attention to the Head Start and preschool programs that shut their doors during the summer months, leaving families scrambling for child care and early education workers left unemployed. Save the date!
Soon—In-District Lobby Visits
Join with our other fellow Local 99 members in your neighborhood who work in early care and education to visit your state Assembly Members and Senators when they’re home from Sacramento. Visit them in their local district offices to tell them why we must invest in our littlest learners. Contact Judy Vega at jvega@seiu99.org, (213) 387-8393, ext. 115 if you would like to participate in a local lobby visit.
