Geania B. Dickey is the immediate past chair of AECA’s Public Policy Committee. Geania has been named a National Exchange Leader and the recipient of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Friend of Children Award, among others. Her work in ECE began when her oldest son was a toddler and will tell you that she felt a renewed commitment to this work following the birth of her grandchildren. Geania went back to school “as a grown up” to earn a Master’s in Public Administration.
Thank you for staying with me for Step 3 of moving off the sidelines.
Today our audience is state legislators.
Our message is: How the cuts to SRA funds and/or technical assistance and training impact you, your program, or your families.
Our mode: A phone call or email.
Representative Julie Mayberry is a member of the Early Education Subcommittee (that is the group we met with on Tuesday). She said to me the following day, “Tell your folks (she knows I think of EVERY ECE professional as a part of my tribe) that they did a Good Job reaching out to their legislators. That is why there were so many there. That is how they know what is happening in their communities.”
So, KUDOS to those who already came off the sidelines. You made a difference! There are 8 members of that sub-committee, and I counted at least 30 legislators there. They were from the House and the Senate; they were Democrats and Republicans. And most attended the full 4-hour meeting! They heard your concern and came to learn more about the problem.
If you are not sure who your legislators are (House and Senate) or don’t have contact information for them, we got you! Go to https://senate.arkansas.gov/ click the “Find My Senator” button at the top right of your screen. Enter your street address and city, then click “Search.” Your senator’s contact information will be shown on the screen. For your house representative, go to https://www.arkansashouse.org/ click the “Find Your Representative” button at the top right of your screen. Enter your street address, city, and/or zip code, then click “Search.” Your representative will show on the screen. You can click on their “Full Profile” to see their contact information.
Over the years, AECA has well prepared the field for a time such as this. Those who can are lifting their voices, and those who can’t remain committed. Together, we are faithfully serving children and families.
To everything there is a season. As a professional, our seasons are different. Today, some must remain still to carry on the work, while others must be the vessel of which all voice is heard. There are beauty and purpose in each season. Champions are often seen and heard but sometimes they are the silent foundation, gently bending the ears of others behind the scenes and through their actions and practice. Both are valuable and purposeful. Whatever season you find yourself, remain steadfast.
AECA stands beside, and behind, you 🩵
As a reminder, you can read the previous posts here:
Geania B. Dickey
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