Door-belling, phone-banking and polling, oh my!
Posted on 28. Oct, 2009 by Genna.
In the last two weeks, I’ve had a major crash course in political participation, largely thanks to my internship with LEV.
Two weekends ago, I door-belled for the first time - in Pasco, of all places - for Laura Grant, a candidate for the state House of Representatives, who would be the only teacher in the legislature if she were elected. During the long drive from Seattle to Pasco, frightening visions of enraged homeowners chasing me off their front porches danced in my head. However, in reality, the residents of Pasco were friendly and receptive, and I ended the day feeling exhausted, but thinking I had definitely pointed some voters toward Grant who had previously not known much about the race.
Last weekend, I had yet another inaugural political experience - collecting polling data with the University of Washington Political Science Department. When you hear something on the news like, “25% of King County residents support Referendum 99,” have you ever wondered where those numbers come from? Well, it turns out they come from a tiny room filled with college students who were promised extra credit on their political science finals if they gave up a few hours of their Saturday afternoon. Who knew?
Finally, I phone-banked last night against Initiative 1033. This was by far my favorite of the three experiences, because it yielded the most actual human interaction. While many people I called were anxious to get back to their dinners, a decent percentage asked me questions about the Initiative, and a few got quite animated when I mentioned that I-1033 was sponsored by Tim Eyman. My last caller was my favorite - he was an undecided voter leaning toward voting yes because his property taxes were extremely high. We talked for almost fifteen minutes about how the initiative would affect the state, and at the end of the call he sounded like he was leaning more toward voting no. Even though I don’t even know this man’s name, he completely made my night.
Despite being a current events dork for most of my life and a political science major for over a year, it took me until now to take a hands-on approach to politics. These last two weeks have shown me that political participation is actually quite addicting. Because in the end, it’s not the people who brush you off that you remember - it’s those ten people whose minds you change that will keep you coming back for more.
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Eyman sees the light & supports No on 1033!
Posted on 28. Oct, 2009 by Bonnie.
So, has Tim Eyman seen the light? Okay, maybe not. The photo was probably embellished (edited… doctored… whatever) by some hilarious and talented individual. I don’t know for sure.
I do know is that if this photo is real, well it makes sense given the latest poll results on Initiative 1033. Everyone wants to be a winner, right? Can’t blame Tim for that.
In a poll released on yesterday and posted on Publicola, Eyman’s 1033 is losing 46 to 41 among all voters. It’s also losing among likely voters, 49 to 40, and it’s losing among those who have already voted, 56 to 44.
We’ll keep phone banking to make sure Initiative 1033 is NOT an obstacle to improving the quality of education and increasing student achievement. Get your ballot in. Bug your friends. We’re close to the end folks!
The Washington Poll also included some more potentially good news: R-71 is ahead among likely voters 57 to 38.
Links:
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Tonight: Two events, one tough decision
Posted on 28. Oct, 2009 by Kelly.
You’ve got two choices tonight in Seattle to help shape the future of education in our state.
Option 1: K-12 Education Listening Tour
Wednesday, October 28, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Van Asselt Elementary Library
(at African American Academy)
8311 Beacon Ave. South, Seattle 98118 (MAP)
State Senators Rosemary McAuliffe and Eric Oemig would like to hear your personal stories about your child’s experience in Seattle Public Schools. They’d like to hear what’s working and what’s not.
Here are some questions to think about:
- What does your school need to improve academic achievement for kids?
- Is your child receiving the support he or she needs from teachers and school staff?
- Do you feel your child is receiving the education he or she needs to attend college or a job training program?
Option 2: Early Learning Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, October 28th, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
The New School at South Shore in the library
4800 S. Henderson Street, Seattle (MAP)
Download the Event Flyer (PDF)
Bette Hyde, the Director of the Department of Early Learning, Nina Auerbach, CEO of Thrive by Five Washington and key staff from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction want to hear your personal stories about preschool, childcare and early learning in Washington State.
Here are some questions to think about:
- Is the cost of childcare going through the roof?
- Do you believe it’s time for preschool to be part of basic education?
- Do you think full-day kindergarten is key?
Let us know which event you plan to attend. RSVP to info@educationvoters.org.
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Education news for October 28
Posted on 28. Oct, 2009 by Katrina.
Scores are up! Cowiche school’s reading program honored nationally
More listening on Whidbey: School leaders, legislators meet on education issues
What attracts students? STEM defection seen to occur after high school
