I hope that this gets read, I am inspired by what Barack and Michelle will bring to public education. This is long but worth reading. Most talk about parent involement in education is rhetoric, because the outcomes of the theories have been lacking with disdain for poor parents heaped upon them.
In Dayton, OH Obama presented his plan for education. I had not heard much from him on this subject, which is my number one issue.
How refreshing that we will have a Democrat President who respects the importance of parents, not only in word but in deed. I have walked with Democrats almost lock step except for their irresponsible policies as relates to parents of school age children. My support for charter schools as a State Legislator, put me in disfavor with the party even as most of my parent constituents favored school choice. As a former State Representative, I now spend most of my time working collaboratively developing and supporting private schools established along the I-5 corridor from Seattle to Tacoma, educationally safe places where poor and African American children are getting a chance to develop their inate intellectual abilities. The part I play is teaching parents how to manage and coach their children to excellence. In Obama's education policy paper, he actully shows respect for parents, see them as being capable and expects them to be responsibilty for their children's education. How refreshing and I am excited. Teachers come and go in a child's life but the parents and family are the constant, they need the tools and support to get their children through to graduation "on time and within budget."
I am co-founder of Parents for Student Success an non profit parent involvement organization. We started 20 years to establish for families an alternative to traditional models of parent involvement that are building based rather than student based. Along with a pediatrician with a specialty in the care of children living with the traumas created in poverty, we created Parent to Parent workshops and advocacy, parents of successful children taught parents of children who were failing parctices of managment and coaching and support that were effective in getting their children from K to graduation "on time and within budget." We recognized that children who are not succeeding were much more expensive to raise than acheiving students. We teach them how to dress their children for success without uniforms, how something as simple as a handshake can turn a teacher who thought they did not have time to educate this poor child into an ally. We let them know that the teacher is responsible for teaching the academic skills, it is the parent's responsibility to practice and apply the skills what we call home supported learning (getting beyond homework.)
First Place is an agency for homeless families and families at risk of being homeless, living with extreme poverty and all of the habits of failure that create generational family poverty. We operate a private first rate school for the children while the parents are participating in housing stabilization efforts. It is an expensive school to operate a budge of $2 mil, for approximately 80 students and their families. But the cost of a failed family costs the government so much more. It is privately funded and has existed for 20 years in Seattle WA.
Last night we had our first parent meeting with 80% turnout. There is no PTA in the country who can say that can turn out even 25% of middleclass parents. Why? because PTA is about leisure and privilege of time it is about supporting teachers over asset based direct student support. We often use medical analogies; e.g. If a child is critically ill no one expects the parent to be at the children's hospital blowing up baloons or organizing a fund raiser for the hospital, this is fine if your children are well and healthy. Our children are intellectually on life support, we have give parents the information and support they need to partner with teachers to get their children educationally strong. Parents for Student Success is the perfect model for poor parents, working parents and middle class parents.
The PTA lobby and Teacher's unions have resisted too long allowing poor parents the control over the education of their children. Throats and ears are basic to well baby care. No parent would be comfortable with a pediatrician who could not diagnose throat and ear problems and know the right prescription to give us. Reading and arithmetic is basic to elementary education and no parent shoud be expected to entrust the intellectual development of their child to a teacher who can not teach a poor child to read, add and substract.
I learned the basis of my education bias as a parent from my son's first grade teacher at Bryn Mawr School in Chicago. I was poor, on the verge of divorce and had a child who beneath the frustration of being in a turmoil bound family was quite gifted at age 6 hea read at the 9th grade level, he was admitted into UC Lab school where I think the Obama girls might be attending. She was an expert in gifted African American children, what occurs for them in traditional education and why we lose them to alcohol, early pregnancies, drugs and even suicide. The trauma of school failure is beyond their inate intellectual ability to cope. Our prisons are filled with naturally gifted people with messed up educational experiences. They get to prison and use their leisure to read, write brilliantly, create phenomenal pieces of art.
This child is now 39 years old, a brilliant scholar and incredible artist. I had to learn as a parent how to manage and guide his education, we got through it it was not easy. In reading Obama's memoirs he tells of his mother getting him up early before school and making him read. This is what Parents for Student Success calls home supported learning, practicing the skill in ways that it becames habit an independent and habitual reader. It does not take gimmicks, bells or expensive whistles. It does take a vision of success and a plan. We allow poor parents to revisit their hopes and dreams for their children.
I have worked diligently on the Obama campaign for a year and a half, traveled to WV to knock on doors, but now I am really hyped. He has to be elected because we need him in the White House. A family who made it against odds, not one born with a silver spoon in his mouth along with one who touts the virtues of teen pregnancy and can not model a high regard for the environment we share in this universe. We need a President and First Lady who can say to parents through modeling the zeal and support for excellence in children that poor families used to have. Before civil rights African Americans raised the children of every leader in this country and their own and did a relatively good job at both. Now that African Americans have expanded our horizons as supported by one law, there are too many other policies and laws that have rendered us failed and crippled in the raising of children. Coming off of plantations we taught our children to read even when we could not. How, we had memorized the Bible and in having a child recite a Bible verse grandmother knew if they were reading it correctly or not. It really is not rocket science. Our churches need to get back to having children read the Bible in the presence of our elders. If a child can read the Lord's Prayer, or the Al Fatiha or any other verse basic to their religious belief chances are they will learn every vowel and consenant blend. Then they can apply the skill and practice from an asset over practicing from a deficit. We tell parents that someone taught Michael Jordan how to shoot a basketball, but it was only after hours of practice that he knew when the ball left his hand it would land in the basket. We teach parents from this that only after hours of reading will their child know that when they pick up the book they will know the words and understand them.
I am so excited about the direction that Barack and Michelle Obama will lead us as First Parents.
Now I am off to knock on doors and register voters. He has to win this oen for the children and future of our nation.
Thanks for the read. I hope you are hopeful and inspired by Obama's message on education.
Sen. Hillary Clinton gave a wonderful speech tonight what a great delivery. It was the Hillary I had gotten to know when in the legislature and she was leading on many issues and organizing leadership around the country on issues of the economy, racial justice and progressive policies. She was dynamic tonight and I am so proud to have here working with us on the Obama for President Campaign.
WOW! What a beginning for the 5 days of Democrats. Dr. Mimms held onto every word, every action, cried with emotion just looking at the convention attendees in all of their varried realities of life and background. The fact that no matter who they might be in life, they were there for a common cause, Elect Barack Obama for President of the United States of America.
Ted Kennedy passed the torch to a new generation as we an intergenerational group of women sat and shared this historic time together, Dr. Mimms, myself, my daughter Anisa and Marcia's daughter Geneiva who is 18 years old. Watching Geneiva's expressions hearing her cheers was a thrill. So the torch has been passed, the work begins anew, hope rises again and the Dream lives on. To have the Kennedy's figuratively adopt Obama into the fold is touching, Ted seems to have taken on the pride of a father over the admiration of a colleague.
Dr. Mimms is all a flurry waiting she is 80 years old and it is the first time she has thrown a party in many years. She never believed she would be throwing a party in celebration of an African American accepting a nomination from one of the two major parties. What is so exciting is that the party is Democrats and Maxine is a Republican.
She is Washington Elder of Distinction and the only woman and African American to establish a public college branch in Washington. Her name resonates with the power and respect she has earned. Among her closest friends she lists Maya Angelou and she has been to all of Oprah's events including the Legends Ball and Maya's BD Parties.
I am so thrilled that she picked my home to host her Watch Party. And we put it on My.BO to allow a first come first confirmed - no big you's and Little I's for this one.
A reporter will be here. We know her analysis and insights will be much more thought provoking than those of the cable network political analysts. She has been around a long time, she has seen and been history and she is into this campaign.
She comments on why it took so long for Democrats to get to this point, but that is another issue - she believes that African Americans fell for the Democratic line and the Democrats never had to do anything for this loyalty. Well it paid off and both African Americans and Democrats are firmly on the same page with Barack Obama.
More tomorrow, I have to go get some red, white and blue plates.
Before Barack Obama decided to run for president, I was pushing for his candidacy because of his "celebrity-status", his young age, his race, his linkage to Hawaii, and the fact that he was different from your typical politician. However, after Obama announced his candidacy, I realized these were all the wrong reasons to support him.
The Fish Fry for Obama in the 37th District of Seattle WA, proved that good old fashion values are still with us in this campaign for Change in the Whitehouse and Presidency supported by change right in our own neighborhoods. Close to 200 Obama supporters ATE MORE THAN 80 POUNDS OF FRIED TALAPIA, (the fish of the Luo people of Kenya) and made friends across every demographic possible at my home in Rainier Valley in Seattle WA.
When my husband Joseph and I decided to build a family home in 1985 in a neighborhood that had more gangs, drugs and gunfire than any in the state people thought we were crazy. But we believed that if all the strong families left our neighborhoods, than who would be a voice for changing things for our children and families. We stayed, I ran and won election to represent the 37th District in the WA Legislature and with so many others in the 37th District never lost focus on what was possible.
So yesterday it was a special moment for Joseph and I, 28 years after the foundation for our house, was poured. Having the kickoff for a season of campaigning for Barack Obama and having so many people coming to Rainier Valley with no feelings of insecurity made us know we made the right decision back in 1985. The diversity of the guests, the collaboration to make the event happen, the fun, and common support for a new way of living together was testimony to what can be if we work for it. We know that what Obama wants for all of us in the United States was showcased our changed community. There is still so much to do though to make things better. We must make sure that the children in the 37th District and all districts can know the success of a good education. We have a lot of work to do in this arena and that is why I endorsed Randy Dorn for Superintendent of Instruction for Washington. The schools in my district are the most racially diverse and has the bleakest achievement, and graduation rates. We can do something about this. When I went to the legislature, one of the first bills I voted for was one that made it illegal for a minor child to possess a gun. So now that we have guns out of the hands of little children, we must work as hard to replace them with books and tools of learning. Randy Dorn, a former legislative colleague tells us that is what he will do.
So we got a lot accomplished yesterday over plates of fried fish, baked beans, some jammin greens, macaroni salad, cornbread and lemonade on a sunny day, in the backyard. We will get back to the grassroots organizing that changed Rainier Valley and let our young people know that it does not happen overnight but positive change always happens when there is a visionary leader and people willing to be focused on what is possible and then are willing to do the work to make the possible a reality.
So think of having your own fish fry, barbecue, wings fling, hot dog roast, or whatever just get some folks together in the yard eating is a common value for all people.
GO BARACK OBAMA!! YES WE CAN, YES WE WILL, SI SE PUEDE!!!
Congratulations to Peter Masundire, Pam Keeley and Robert Stowers for staying with the process and getting themselves elected At Large National Delegates.
Their committment to the Barack Obama For America campaign is right on the mark with the Obama strategists for winning the Presidency. We know they will use MYBO technology to keep us informed and to work with OFA staff and volunteer organizers sent to this area. They worked within the process set up by the WA State Dems and we can all be so proud of how they made friends not only for themselves but for the good of the keeping the campaign moving forward.
CONGRATULATIONS THANK YOU FOR STAYING THE COURSE.
I just returned from Utah and the people there are still pumped. One of my companions could not get out of the store because she had on an Obama button and people wanted to talk about their favorite candidate.
Also, I keep a clear plastic bag of Obama buttons with me most times and people see them and ask to buy one. So, on the plane today, the flight attendent bends over and whispers, can I have one of those Obama buttons. She said she had been wanting one for months, so then the other flight attendent comes and whispers, I want one too. And then the person across the aisle, and you guessed it, by the time I got off the plane my bag was empty.
The new supply of buttons are here. I have several designs. They are excellent quality and size.
I have some Washington for Obama - I ordered these for Washington Delegates to purchase and wear on the floor of National Convention.
I have a limited number of: Next First Lady Michelle Obama buttons, and the rectangle elegant black buttons
The large button variety:
flag with picture, red wiith picture, the white background with picture. the black rimmed with picture.
Price each for delegates. alternates and volunteers Obama volunteers $3.00 each
The Michelle and Washington buttons are $4.00
If you buy bulk at least 10 I will reduce the price by 25 cent each. please add $1.50 postage or delivery.
If you would like to order one send a check to:
Please add $.85 for postage or delivery for up to 5 buttons $1.70 for up to nine buttons. 10 or more buttons postage is free.
Dawn Mason4616 S, Raymond PlSeattle,WA 98118or call me if you want to arrange pick up
This Bingo Mama is forgoing her morning Bingo game to make calls and donate to the campaign.
I was born and raised in New Jersey, the first state to make Bingo legal. My mother was a Bingo Mama and so am I. I think my first driving experience after getting my license was driving my mother to the Lincoln Theater in Kearny to play Bingo.
Today is a pivotal point in the Obama campaign and I am racheting up my committment. I am a Washington State delegate, the first state to deliver every county to Obama in our primary. I live in the 37th Legislative District, the Washington District with the most delegates, and with the largest turnout for our caucus. I am Fired up and Ready to Go.
Here are a few links to get us up and going today.
How sad it is, I am making phone calls and listening to MSNBC. They are saying with so much conviction that Jewish voters do not like strangers and that as an African American Obama has to pass a Farakan test and that he has to say how he feels about Farakan and how anyone he knows feels about Farakah. Also his middle name would be a problem to Jewish voters and that he spent part of his education in Indonesia.
I THINK THAT THIS KIND OF TALK IS SO DEGRADNG TO JEWISH VOTERS. I do not know them this way. If they vote non democrat because Obama is a stranger to them, because of his name and where he went to elementary school, even though he went to Harvard a school where so many Jewish intellectuals learn and teach, then there is something wrong with this picture.
This about Jewish voters, followed their commentaries on Catholic Voters, they will not vote for them because, he is too protestant, and speaks like one. They say Hillary speaks more to the Catholics who are working class. What are protestants a bunch of lazy goof offs? This is just after the Pope and Dalai Lama tells America we need are the nation of diversity, which makes us great.
So, if the above spoken through the CNN media, I would say that people are clingng to their religion. CNN can not have it both ways, he can not say that people are suspicious of others through a religious filter and then say that Obama is a bad guy for knowing this.
At this time when our children are beginning to drink at younger and younger ages, why would a presidential candidate and mother think it okay to be on television throwing back a beer and a shot of whiskey? Why did the news and political commentators not jump on this?
Even Bush swore off of alcohol consumption while President of the United States.
Has she lost all of her senses? Most self respecting leaders never get their pictures taken with a glass of anything in their hand. Children's and sobriety advocates lobbied and succeeded in getting alcohol and cigarette advertising off the television ads. And Hollywood followed suit and they never portray social drinking as cool in modern day television for family rated viewing.
And it looks as if she had as much practice throwing back as she says she has shooting innocent animals. It is important that Obama has chosen to take the good of what his parents offered and to leave the detractors behind. In him we have a man who wants to model a family with both a strong mother and father pulling together.
I guess next she will be off with the guys smoking a big stogie, arm wrestling to prove she is big strong woman.
I awoke to nothing but good news about Obama. Yes, I am addicted to this campaign, anyone observing would think I was running. I have all the signs of addiction but this is a good one. I have run campaigns and I know that it takes loyal contributors, and volunteers along with a well organized campaign. Obama's campaign has been well organized from the beginning while the chief democratic opponent has fired, lost and insulted staff and supporters along the way. They are running out of contributors and money, their bills are not paid and spouse is having a good time messing up her campaign with his comments.
So, today I made phone calls into Indiana it was easy I had to leave alot of messages but did actually speak to a few people. One said telling who she was voting for was personal but did end the conversation with comment that it is good to know that people from across the country are making these calls and that she thinks Obama is a good guy.
I have to make delegate calls now to get delegates and alternates out to the Washington Legislative caucus to claim our delegate count for Obama.
Dawn Mason37th LD - Seattle, WAdawnseattle@comcast.net
I agree with Robert who tells us to take a breath.
In preparation for the April 5, Washington Democratic Delegate convention, I am listening to Barack Obama, reading his blueprint and cramming as if I were taking the bar exam. In his blog post, Robert in Seattle asks us to take a breath and use blog time and space to speak to issues and ways that we will help to get our candidate elected. I agree.
I have legislative experience and campaign experience, I know that gossiping and ranting about the opponent(s) gives supporters something to do. It does not get our candidate elected. Hitting the ground telling those who are not yet committed to Obama is the way to assure our desired outcome.
I
My pastor Rev. Samuel McKinney is a friend of Rev. Wright and wrote a great op ed piece in the Seattle P.I. last week. He referred us to several of his published books, which should be required reading for any who wants to discuss the totality of his biblical and spiritual leadership.
Also if the next President of the United States of America, Barack Obama is like most most of us, he most likely slept through most of his sermons. Sunday naps at church are the best. Ask most people after church how was the sermon they will say it was good. Ask them what the preacher preached about they will say I don't remember but it was good. This is a better answer than, hell, I don't know, I slept through most of it.
On a serious note - prayed and meditated after listening to one of the harsher commentaries and asked God to put his arms around his child and to bring him out of the lions den, the furnace unscathed. Because God does answer prayer I awoke to the news of the Bill Richardson endorsement. The fact that Gov. Richardson wrote his email during the wee hours of the morning, I know that the prayer was heard and answered.
I am not a religious zealot but am spiritually inclined. I believe in miracles, I know that God will sometimes give us an on the knees experience just to let us know that there is a God a power greater than all humanity. God is with Obama and the campaign and all of his supporters.
Regarding video training for rookie Obama delegates in Washington state.
Please consider the following. Please withhold suggestions about YouTube. Please consider the great many citizens who do not have internet access. In addition, we are looking into a pass-word protected website for the following specific exercise. SEE THE FOLLOWING....
