Occasionally Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 So I told him what to fix with the PA regulations. He says he's gonna look into it and get back to me. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 How in the world did that happen? And what did you tell him to fix? It's a pretty long list... dare we hope for miracles? :svengo: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Occasionally Posted June 19, 2014 Author Share Posted June 19, 2014 He just knocked on the door. I suspect he didn't think anyone would actually answer. I explained the redundancy of using an evaluator but still having to submit to the district. (I don't follow those regulations myself, though--as a certified teacher I use the Private Tutor law.) I also mentioned that along with NY PA has the most difficult regulations. I can't imagine that anything would come of it, but it was sort of nice to be able to dump it on him a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I think you might be surprised at how much they listen. Especially if they are taking the time to door knock. Listening = votes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Occasionally Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 I think you might be surprised at how much they listen. Especially if they are taking the time to door knock. Listening = votes. True, but homeschoolers are such a minority. His lackey was taking notes as we talked, though. I thought at least I had a voice for a moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I've been in touch with my rep urging him to vote on 1013 if it comes to the floor. I live close to his office and offered to meet with him to discuss ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I did some job shadowing at the state level and political internships at the national level when I was young. I was repeatedly told that state representatives care a lot more about the opinions of voters in their district than you might think. And that if you want to change something on a state level, just call your local reps. If you want to change something on a national level, no one cares unless you either get a letter to the editor published in a major newspaper or get media involvement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohdanigirl Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I did my internship with one of California's Representatives. From what I saw, the reps were much more responsive to issues brought to their attention by real people (in person). If you can have a few other people make an effort to mention it in person or call in followed with a letter, you might be surprised. Being calm and well versed is key. I would not recommend a mass mailing of cookie cutter letter or post cards. Those always got dumped on my desk to look through. Letters that were not a template were then passed on to the staffer in charge of the issue or a Chief of Staff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I took the boys to see our member of parliament when there was discussion of changing the regulations for home education in England. I don't think anyone else had been to talk to him about it, and he agreed to sign an early day motion (a bit like a petition by MPs) for me. It was good for the boys to see it happen, and maybe it helped to squash the changes. In fact, I think that the political wave moved on, we had an election, and the new government had other fish to fry. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Occasionally Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 I did my internship with one of California's Representatives. From what I saw, the reps were much more responsive to issues brought to their attention by real people (in person). If you can have a few other people make an effort to mention it in person or call in followed with a letter, you might be surprised. Being calm and well versed is key. I would not recommend a mass mailing of cookie cutter letter or post cards. Those always got dumped on my desk to look through. Letters that were not a template were then passed on to the staffer in charge of the issue or a Chief of Staff. Maybe I should send a letter as a follow-up, too. It would certainly show that I'm interested enough in the matter to do more than talk at the man while he happens to be here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathryn Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 Maybe I should send a letter as a follow-up, too. It would certainly show that I'm interested enough in the matter to do more than talk at the man while he happens to be here. I think that's a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 Maybe I should send a letter as a follow-up, too. It would certainly show that I'm interested enough in the matter to do more than talk at the man while he happens to be here. Yes, and be sure to tell him that you appreciate him coming by and talking with you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Occasionally Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 Yes, and be sure to tell him that you appreciate him coming by and talking with you! Done! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Occasionally Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 Thanks for giving a shout out for NY! :laugh: I thought maybe that comparing PA to NY would make it seem more horrible :lol: I mean, NY seems like a state with a lot of rules. Wow, I hope that doesn't seem too obnoxious :laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Occasionally Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 I think you might be surprised at how much they listen. Especially if they are taking the time to door knock. Listening = votes. Quoting you again to say that my brother (who is a lawyer for the state House of Representatives, and who has met this guy) said the same thing this morning after I told him my story. I'm hopeful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Occasionally Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 Okay, serial poster here, but the state rep's office just called to tell me that they're getting a copy of the bill to look over, but that it looks like something he will definitely support. I feel like I made a difference! Yay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andani Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 I'm excited! I live in PA. I think I'll be like you and send a letter to my rep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 Okay, serial poster here, but the state rep's office just called to tell me that they're getting a copy of the bill to look over, but that it looks like something he will definitely support. I feel like I made a difference! Yay! You are! I just tell myself that if it doesn't pass, I might kick myself for not getting involved. If I get involved and it still doesn't pass, I will be mad as heck ;) but will at least know I tried. Go you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathryn Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 Okay, serial poster here, but the state rep's office just called to tell me that they're getting a copy of the bill to look over, but that it looks like something he will definitely support. I feel like I made a difference! Yay! That's really great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 Before you write your rep, please read the bill for yourself to be sure it's something you can live with and support. Text that is underlined is being added; text in brackets is being removed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Occasionally Posted June 20, 2014 Author Share Posted June 20, 2014 Thanks for linking. I read it completely before writing today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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