Facts In Action

“Here we go again…but not quite the same” I thought to myself as I approached the State House that morning. I was ready to be searched from head to toe and a little chilly since I left my coat in the car - one less thing to hold me up while going through the metal detectors. Today was not only lobby day but also the Constitutional debate around Gay rights to marry. However, to my amazement it did not seem to keep people away. I stood in line with many of my colleagues ready to lobby on matters important for our youngest children. I was elated as I approached the corridor to see a sea of early childhood educators and supporters joining to rally on this very time limited morning.

The morning began with opening comments in the Great Hall. It was refreshing to be in that space, as opposed to Nurses Hall where the acoustics really handicapped the speakers. The remarks from the president of MADCA, Representative Peter Larkin and the Commissioner of the Office of Child Care Services Ardith Wieworka were great and very encouraging. However the most impressive of all for me was that the Speaker of the House Thomas Finneran took the time to address the field in the midst of all the controversy he was dealing with. He was brief but clear in delivering the message that he wants early education to work for Massachusetts. He even joked that we were the reason the press was swarming the State House and congratulated us on sticking to our agenda and just showing up. He said he was impressed. Well Speaker you impressed many of us that morning and the early childcare field would like you to just keep on impressing.

After our much energized beginning we went off to meet with our work and home based Representatives and Senators. This was the real challenge. Although some of us were unable to meet with our legislators we had good conversations with their aides. I had the pleasure of visiting Rep. Marie St. Fleur, Rep. Angelo Scaccia, Sen. Marian Walsh and Sen. John Hart. I must say Steve the aide in Sen. Walsh’s office was a joy to speak with. He seemed genuinely interested and eager to pass on the information. I will find out when I do my follow up phone call over the next couple of days. For me it was another great success. I am that much more comfortable at the State House, that much more energized about this important work and that much closer to running for…. No, I better wait. I am still getting my feet wet.

Reflections on Advocacy Day, submitted by Lori Thames, Director, Project Hope Children’s Center.

Facts in Action, March 2004