Hi Everyone!

Happy Friday! A few things...

1. We have 658 signatures which is awesome and I hope we can get many more. If everyone could inspire 5 others to sign, we would be jump to 3,290. If everyone could convince 10 more to sign, we would be at 6,598. A personal invitation to sign is much more effective than a Facebook post (though sharing on social media is awesome too). I think it would give us a few more teeth in this effort. Is that a phrase? When you ask people to sign, I think the biggest question people wonder is, "how does this impact me?" Key points would be that this is not about football as much as it is the corruption and coverup that the football scandal unveiled. Even then, people might feel it doesnt impact them. You can let them know that not only do they fund and/or elect the positions doing the coverup, it DOES impact all of us. Because we are responsible (as FCPS residents) for caring for the people who don't have the power to care for themselves, or for those who fear retaliation. Signing this petition is an act of compassion. We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to model care, compassion, accountability, and integrity. As we take action, we remember how we are all connected to one another. And our bonds to humanity strengthen. 
2. The next school board meeting is on December 5th. Sign-ups for the lottery to speak for two minutes open on Monday. We need students and/or adults to speak about why this matters to them. It matters because we care about the people who have suffered. If you are selected and can't be there in person, you can submit a two-minute video. We need a diversity of voices from a variety of schools. You don't have to be a student. You don't have to be a parent. You only need to be a community member who cares about the people who have been harmed...students, communities, staff. Please consider! And let me know! We can help you think through what you'd like to say if you'd like. My email is LLGeraghty@gmail.com. if you're not able to speak, your PRESENCE at the board meeting is a wonderful gift and a powerful witness...a great act of resistance. I would love to pack the board meeting with US.  

So, your homework:

1. Share the petition on social media. It is public on my Facebook page, you're welcome to share the post from my page.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/WqhrA7ubdya3LsPK/A

2. Ask 5-10 people to sign the petition by texting them and asking for their support.

3. Let me know if you are willing to speak at the Dec 5 board meeting: LLGeraghty@gmail.com 

4. Please attend the Dec 5 board meeting. 

Thanks for reading, and thanks for your support! You all rock!

Peace,

Lauren Geraghty