April 21, 2004

While checking your mailbox for a tax return, you may find the first direct mailing from Public Schools for the 21st Century, a broad coalition that includes New York State United Teachers.

On April 19, PS21 mailed 100,000 packets to friends of this state's public schools, including members of NYSUT. PS21, a coalition of education, business and community organizations, is asking for "insider assistance" from those who have a vested interest in our public schools.

"We need to speak in a loud voice because our schools' critics are so vocal," wrote Barbara Bartoletti of the League of Women Voters, the president of PS21. "But we are not asking you to give speeches or write newspaper articles. We are asking you to make a contribution so that PS21 can speak out and defend the public education system you have helped to create."

Monetary donations will be used to help PS21 promote New York state's public schools, Bartoletti said.
The packet includes a personal letter from Tom Hobart, NYSUT president, urging readers to "Please support PS21 and its mission in New York state — I do!"

Public school children need organizations like this one "to speak for them, herald their successes and answer their critics," Hobart said.
Potential programs on the coalition's agenda:

• An honor roll of successful public school graduates from all walks of life, and a hall of fame;
• A think tank as a forum for critical thinking about public education;
• Public awareness campaigns;
• A speakers bureau; and
• A PS21 student component.

NYSUT First Vice President Antonia Cortese, the PS21 treasurer, called the coalition "a breath of fresh air." She noted this is the first time such a group has come together to "overcome negativism and disseminate the good news of the accomplishments of public schools."
In the past, PS21 has sponsored public service announcements celebrating public schools as "our children's future, our communities' strength." The mission of the not-for-profit organization is to promote the democratic institution of public education and educate citizens about public education's vitality.

Spread the word

Each mailing includes personalized name and address labels for recipients to help spread the word.

"Ironic as it sounds, your contribution will actually help us tell people about your good work, because you are one of those special people who have made our schools great!" said Bartoletti in her letter.

Other partners with PS21 include Met Life, ING Financial Advisers, the state League of Women Voters, New York Newspaper Publishers Association, Atkins Nutritional, Inc., and Amalgamated Bank. The organization hopes other friends of public education will help them to "tell the story" of the many children who attend New York's public schools.

Public school children become teachers, cab drivers, construction workers, lawyers, writers, activists and business and community leaders.

"One of our goals is to create a veritable groundswell of public support," wrote Bartoletti.

— Liza Frenette

NYSUT.org. Copyright New York State United Teachers. 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, New York, 12110-2455. 518.213.6000. http://www.nysut.org.