Your Voice, Your Power: Join Pennsylvania's School Choice Day of Action on May 6th
By Jim Malliard, Chief Strategist for Education Legislation and Parent Advocacy at Candy Apple Advocacy
The Power of Parents United
As I travel across Pennsylvania speaking with families about their educational journeys, one truth stands clearer than ever: when parents raise their voices together, mountains move. That's why I'm calling on every Pennsylvania parent, grandparent, and education advocate to join us on May 6th for our School Choice Day of Action – a pivotal moment to demonstrate the collective strength of families who believe in educational freedom.
Many of us will gather on the Capitol steps in Harrisburg at 10:00 AM, where we'll stand shoulder to shoulder, showing lawmakers the faces and families behind school choice statistics. I'll be there alongside fellow advocates, taking meetings throughout the day with representatives who need to hear your stories.
But here's what I want you to understand: Your voice matters whether you're at the Capitol or at your kitchen table.
Your Story Shapes School Choice
This movement isn't about politicians or policy jargon—it's about real Pennsylvania families making educational choices that work for their unique children.
Whether you've chosen homeschooling that tailors learning to your child's pace, a charter school that specializes in their interests, a cyber option that provides flexibility, or a private school that aligns with your values—your story is the most powerful advocacy tool we have.
Each educational path represents a family that cared enough to make an intentional choice. Those choices, and the stories behind them, are what will ultimately transform Pennsylvania's educational landscape.
Taking Action Where You Are
Not everyone can take a day off work to travel to Harrisburg—and that's perfectly okay. The beauty of this movement is that impactful advocacy can happen anywhere:
Email or call your representatives sharing a 2-3 sentence personal story about your child's education
Post on social media using #PASchoolChoice with a photo of your child learning
Encourage your children to create something—a video, artwork, or letter—explaining why they love their school
Mobilize your network by asking grandparents, neighbors, and friends to contact legislators
No action is too small. Each step forward multiplies when we move together. One voice becomes two, becomes four, and soon hundreds, then thousands of Pennsylvania families standing united for educational freedom.
Breaking Down Barriers
As Chief Strategist for Education Legislation and Parent Advocacy, I've witnessed firsthand how intimidating the political process can seem. Many parents tell me, "Jim, I don't know where to start" or "I'm just one person—will my call even matter?"
Let me be clear:
Your perspective as a parent carries more weight than any lobbyist or special interest group.
You are the expert on your child's needs. You witness their struggles and triumphs daily. When you speak from that authentic place, lawmakers listen.
That's the entire philosophy behind Candy Apple Advocacy—equipping ordinary parents to become extraordinary advocates who reshape the educational landscape for generations to come.
Join the Movement on May 6th
Here's my challenge to every parent reading this: Take just one action on May 6th. Whether you join us on the Capitol steps or send one email from your living room, your participation matters.
If we each light one candle, together we'll create a blaze that illuminates the path toward educational freedom in Pennsylvania.
Find your legislators here: Find Your PA Legislators
Remember: Empowered parents create thriving children, flourishing communities, and an evolving educational ecosystem. Let's write the next chapter of Pennsylvania's education story together.
Will you stand with us?
Jim Malliard is the Chief Strategist for Education Legislation and Parent Advocacy at Candy Apple Advocacy, dedicated to empowering parents to become fierce advocates for their children's education. A Western Pennsylvania native and passionate education reformer, Jim works tirelessly to bridge the gap between families and policymakers while challenging the status quo of educational systems.
Update - We want to take a moment to clarify the organizing efforts behind the upcoming event on the Harrisburg Capitol Steps on May 6th, advocating for robust education choice for all Pennsylvania children.
This crucial event is being spearheaded by PA Families for Education Choice (PaFEC), a dedicated 501(c)(3) organization founded by Sharon Sedlar. PaFEC's mission is to highlight the importance of diverse educational models, ensuring every child, regardless of their background or location, has access to the learning environment that best suits their needs.
Candy Apple Advocacy is a proud supporter and partner in this event, working alongside PaFEC to amplify this vital message. We are committed to collaborating with PaFEC and Founder Sharon Sedlar to ensure a powerful and impactful event in Harrisburg.
We apologize for any previous confusion regarding the organizing agency. Please know that PA Families for Education Choice (PaFEC) is the driving force behind this important initiative, and we at Candy Apple Advocacy are honored to stand with them.
For more information about PA Families for Education Choice and their work, please visit their website:
https://paedchoice.org/
We look forward to seeing you on the Harrisburg Capitol Steps on May 6th