Let’s build upon yesterday’s action, and continue to fight for Pennsylvania children! Today we will be calling our state representative and state senator, urging them to support Full and Fair Education Funding. But first we will root ourselves in faith.
A FAITH REFLECTION
In Islam, there are direct correlations between maintaining a good character, doing the right things, and firmly standing for justice. God commands us to persist against tyranny, to be equitable, and to confidently advocate for just causes, “even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.” (Quran: 4/135). For those in positions of leadership, the obligation to uphold justice is even greater; Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing be Upon Him) said: “Surely the most beloved of people with God and the closest to Him in the hereafter will be a just leader. And the most hated of people and the furthest removed from Him will be a tyrannical leader.” As we reach out to our legislators, keep this in mind: our budget will reflect our character. (Thank you to Rabiul Chowdhery for this faith reflection!)
OUR ACTION FOR TODAY: CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATOR
Call your state representative and senator, leave your message or talk directly with a staff person. Tell them you want them to support Gov. Wolf’s 2021 budget proposal for education as it calls for the full use of the Fair Funding Formula for the distribution of PA state basic education funding to the 500 school districts.
CONTACT LINKS
You can look up your legislator here: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/index.cfm
TIPS
- Use your credentials. As you introduce yourself (direct phone call, leaving a verbal message, email, etc.) include your affiliations such as “I am a member of XX congregation (or other group) that represents xx voters.” SHOW YOUR POWER.
- Be polite but direct.
- Include something personal, such as how the current racially inequitable, inadequate and unfair funding of PA’s schools affects you and your family.
- Record your action on this survey so that we can measure this week of action.
- Use this script or example below for inspiration if you desire.
SCRIPTS AND EXAMPLES
Hello this is _______(your name and credentials- constituent, tax payer in school district ____). I am calling to urge Rep/Sen_________ to support passage of Governor Wolf’s 2021 budget This budget provides a twofold opportunity for you to put all of Pennsylvania’s students first, especially at a time where the pandemic has created a need to for our students make up for lost time. It also provides an opportunity to level the playing field by putting ALL state education money through the fair funding formula, correcting the current unfair and immoral current system. This is our chance to stand with POWER in demanding equity now. I’d like to hear back from Rep. ________, he/she can reach me at ___________(email or phone number). Thank you.
RECORD YOUR ACTION ON OUR TRACKER
Lastly, please put a record of your action on our tracker on Google Forms.
Thank you for your leadership – you are powerful!
