YOUR CHILD'S STORY IS YOUR MOST POWERFUL WEAPON
Why Your Voice—Not Someone Else's Words—Will Change Everything
I'm writing this at my desk at 5:30 AM, before the kids wake up, because what I need to tell you can't wait another day.
Your child's story—told in your voice—can move mountains that money and politics can't touch.
But first, let me be brutally honest.
I used to think "advocacy" meant signing someone else's petition or forwarding a pre-written email. I'd check that box and feel like I'd done my part. Maybe you've been there too.
I will never make that mistake again.
THEY DON'T KNOW YOUR CHILD
Last month, I sat in a representative's office, one dad among a group of "concerned citizens." Everyone brought talking points. Statistics. Policy arguments.
Then another parent pulled out their phone and simply showed a picture.
"This is my child," they said. "They were struggling every day until we found a school that actually understood them. Now they're thriving. But our family is sacrificing everything to keep them there."
The entire mood of the room changed. The staffer who had been half-listening was suddenly taking notes.
That's when I realized: They don't need more policy experts. They need to hear YOUR story.
YOUR VOICE IS IRREPLACEABLE
Think about it:
Lobbyists have money
Special interests have power
Politicians have agendas
But only YOU have your child's story.
No one else knows:
How your daughter's eyes light up when she finally understands a concept
How your son cried in the car after another terrible day at a school that couldn't meet his needs
What you've sacrificed to give your child the education they deserve
The dreams you have for their future that depend on these choices
These stories—YOUR stories—can't be dismissed with talking points or buried in committee.
STOP WAITING FOR PERMISSION
Here's the hard truth: No one is coming to ask for your story.
The system is designed to make you feel small. To make you believe that education decisions belong to experts, not parents.
That's a lie.
Your voice matters. Your story matters. Your vote matters. And no prepared statement, form letter, or mass email will ever match the power of your authentic experience shared directly and repeatedly.
THIS ISN'T A ONE-TIME THING
Relationships change everything. And relationships aren't built through one email or phone call.
When my kids needed a different learning environment, I didn't just reach out once. I became unforgettable:
I tagged our representatives in weekly social media updates about my kids progress
I sent a 3-sentence email often about how school choice affected our family
I scheduled a meetings to their local office once a month
I invited them to see my child's science fair project, basketball game, and band concert
My son's education wasn't a "policy position" to me. It was our life. And I made sure they knew it.
DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY? START HERE:
Who is your child? Not just their age and grade, but who are they really? What lights them up? What do they struggle with?
Why does educational choice matter for YOUR family? Not in general terms, but in specific, personal ways.
What's at stake? What happens if your child gets—or doesn't get—the educational options they need?
What do you want your representative to do? Be specific but keep it simple.
That's it. No policy expertise required. No fancy language needed.
BECOME UNFORGETTABLE
Don't be just another email in an inbox. Become the parent they remember:
Share a 30-second video of your child explaining what their school means to them
Create a one-page "profile" of your child with a photo and their story
Invite them to see what this education option has made possible for your child
Follow up consistently so they know this isn't a passing concern
DAD JOKE BREAK
Why did the parent become an advocate for school choice? Because they were "SCHOOLED" in what really matters!
(My kids tell me my jokes need remedial education...)
THIS ISN'T JUST ABOUT TODAY
Let me be crystal clear: Staying silent isn't neutral. It's costly.
Every day parents don't speak up is another day decisions get made without your input. Another day the system assumes you're satisfied with limited options. Another day your child might not get what they desperately need.
But your story—told consistently, authentically, and directly—changes the equation.
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
Before my next post, I want you to do THREE things:
Write down your child's educational story in 300 words or less. What matters most? What's at stake?
Share that story publicly in at least ONE place—Facebook, at a school board meeting, in an email to your representative, or in a conversation with another parent.
Tag me when you share it @malliard, or forward me your email candyappleadvocacy@gmail.com . I'll feature some of your stories (with permission) in my next post.
Remember: This isn't about being polished. It's about being real. Your child. Your family. Your authentic voice.
The most powerful advocacy tool isn't a talking point. It's a parent who refuses to be silent about their child's future.
Let's get loud, Jim Malliard
P.S. Need help crafting your story? Email me at candyappleadvocacy@gmail.com with "STORY HELP" in the subject line. I'll send you my simple template that makes this easier than you think.
In Harrisburg
Providing Protections against Child Torture
Representative Melissa Shusterman is introducing legislation to define child torture and provide law enforcement with better charging options to prosecute these crimes. This legislation aims to ensure the safety of children in Pennsylvania by equipping law enforcement with the necessary tools to recognize and address child torture cases.
Back to School Sales Tax Holiday
Representative Andrew Kuzma is proposing an annual back-to-school sales tax holiday starting the first Friday in August and lasting one week. This holiday would exempt clothing accessories, footwear, school supplies, computers, and certain household items from sales tax, helping families save money as they prepare for the new school year.
Media Literacy Curriculum in Schools
Senator Katie Muth is planning to reintroduce legislation requiring the Pennsylvania Department of Education to establish a media literacy curriculum for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This curriculum will equip students with critical thinking skills to discern credible information and combat the growing challenge of misinformation and “fake news.”
AEDs at Interscholastic Athletic Events
Senator Rosemary Brown is reintroducing legislation that requires all Pennsylvania schools to have Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) available at all interscholastic athletic events and mandates sudden cardiac event emergency action plans along with CPR training. This important bill aims to protect student-athletes by ensuring life-saving resources and protocols are in place to respond quickly to sudden cardiac arrest during school sports activities.
Ensuring Safe Transportation for All Public-School Students
Senator Greg Rothman is introducing legislation to ensure that all public-school students, including charter students, receive safe and reliable transportation to and from school, addressing current legal gaps that leave some students vulnerable to unsafe travel conditions. The bill aims to standardize transportation methods across school districts and charter schools without affecting laws related to charter proximity or other regulations.
HOUSE EDUCATION
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 10:00 AM
Add to Calendar Outlook (iCal) or Google Calendar Voting meeting on Consider HB 17, 191 and 1326 and any other business that may come before the committee. Room 205 Ryan Office LIVE STREAMED
Senate Education
05/06/2025 10:30 AM Live Streamed- opens in a new tab
Education Room 8E-A, East Wing, (LIVE STREAMED - opens in a new tab)
In The News
At the Philadelphia School Board meeting, parents and students voiced urgent concerns about declining school conditions, staffing shortages, and insufficient funding for libraries, highlighting issues like deteriorating facilities and inadequate core instruction.
Allentown teachers are frustrated by new curriculums, poor student behavior, union president says
Allentown School District teachers are expressing growing frustration with the implementation of new curriculums alongside increasing student behavior challenges, compounded by inconsistent communication from district leadership. The teachers' union president has called for clearer expectations, more consistent support, and better resources to help educators effectively manage classrooms and deliver quality instruction.
What could Centennial pay Lucabaugh? Here's what Bucks County superintendents get paid
Bucks County school superintendents, including those from Central Bucks, Centennial, and North Penn, rank among the highest paid in Pennsylvania, with salaries often significantly exceeding the state average. The competition for top administrators in the region has driven salaries into six figures, with some superintendent contracts reaching well over $300,000 annually.
Conestoga High School teacher facing 63 charges for allegedly having sex with student
A Conestoga High School teacher, Michelle Mercogliano, has been charged with 63 counts related to alleged unlawful sexual conduct with a student. The school district has placed her on immediate leave and is cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation.
Pennsylvania school bus company to layoff 70 workers
A Pennsylvania school bus company announced it will lay off 70 workers due to rising operational costs and decreased school transportation demand. The layoffs are expected to impact bus drivers and support staff, raising concerns about transportation reliability for local school districts.
In Western Pa. school board races, a shift for voters who have been ‘jolted awake’
The recent Pittsburgh School Board election resulted in a shift of power with several new members elected, reflecting community demands for improved school funding, better facilities, and stronger academic programs. Voters prioritized candidates focused on equity, transparency, and addressing ongoing challenges in the district.
A strong call has been made for the Pennsylvania Legislature to invest at least $100 million in structured literacy programs statewide to ensure all students achieve grade-level reading proficiency by the end of third grade