Back in June, I picked October 6 with a plan in mind. I carefully reviewed the calendars and pictured families gathering at the Pennsylvania Capitol, wearing tie-dye and reminding lawmakers that behind every education decision is a child.
Then life changed.
My family needed me. We lost Tabby, and honestly, my heart is still somewhere else some days. Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. But I know she would want me to keep fighting for our children.
So the plan has changed, and we’re moving forward together.
On Tuesday, October 6, Candy Apple Advocacy’s Parents Rising day is going virtual. You can participate from anywhere in Pennsylvania, on your own schedule.
Things that go unsaid can go unnoticed
Over the past few weeks, we’ve talked about connection, small victories, growth, and finding our voices.
Now it’s time to put those ideas into action.
Your child’s education matters to your family and to the future we all share. What’s working deserves attention. What’s missing deserves a conversation. And the things you wish lawmakers understood need to reach their offices.
We can’t assume somebody else will explain our experiences for us.
You don’t need to know every bill number or have a perfect speech. You know your child. You know what has helped, what has been difficult, and what you hope comes next.
That’s where we start.
One message. Your voice.
For October 6, we’re using the same fill-in-the-blank message for social media, direct messages and emails, and calls to lawmakers in Harrisburg.
Fill it in once. Then share it, send it, and say it:
My name is ______, and I live in ______, Pennsylvania.
My child attends ______. Their education matters because ______.
One thing I want lawmakers in Harrisburg to understand is ______.
I’m asking you to ______.
I’m participating in Parents Rising because our children need us to speak up. Parents are paying attention, and parents vote.
Use your own words. Make your request clear and specific. You might ask lawmakers to protect a support that’s helping your child, address a barrier your family faces, or meet with parents to hear their experiences.
For public posts, share only what you’re comfortable making public. A first name, county, and school type are enough to tell your story without identifying your child.
SHARE IT
Post your completed message on social media on October 6.
Tag Candy Apple Advocacy and include #ParentsRising so we can find and support one another.
Wear tie-dye if you have it and want to include a photo. A written post is just as welcome. Your voice is what matters.
SEND IT
Send that same message directly to your Pennsylvania state representative and state senator through email or their official contact forms.
Include enough information for their offices to know you live in their district, and ask for a response to your request.
A public post starts a conversation. Sending your message brings your experience directly to the people making decisions.
SAY IT
Call your state representative’s and state senator’s Harrisburg offices.
Read the same message to a staff member or leave it as a voicemail. You don’t have to improvise. Your words are already in front of you.
Ask for a response and leave your contact information so the office can follow up.
One message. Three ways to make it heard.
Start with the action you can manage, or do all three.
Bring another parent with you
Personally invite one other parent to fill in the blanks and participate.
We’re building a community that knows how to reach each other, share information, and act when our children need us. Those relationships begin with small invitations and real conversations.
Then come back to Candy Apple Advocacy’s October 6 Facebook post. Tell us your county and which actions you completed: shared, sent, or called.
Let’s encourage the people taking their first step and recognize the parents who keep showing up.
October 6 is a beginning
Afterward, we follow up. We share the responses we receive. We keep asking questions and listening to each other.
We don’t have to agree on every issue to recognize that families belong in the conversation about education.
I know people are tired. I know families are carrying things others never see. I am, too.
You don’t have to do this perfectly. Showing up is the key.
October 6. One message. Your voice. Share it. Send it. Say it.
Our children need us—and we need each other.
— Jim Malliard
Candy Apple Advocacy