WON'T BACK DOWN - A FILM ABOUT PARENTS ADVOCATING FOR EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

[N'Zinga Shani]

 

HELLO PARENTS, EDUCATORS, COMMUNITY LEADERS:

StudentsFirst sent out a Clarion Call to see the public education advocacy movie titled: Won't Back Down. It is about involved parents and committed teachers.  It is about doing what is best for the millions of children who depend on public education for the foundation of their lives.  It is about a strong foundation for America's future. We invite you to read on and to see the movie.

It was a special night for Mayfield.

One of our parent volunteers, Mayfield, was selected to see "Won't Back Down" with Michelle Rhee at the red carpet event in New York City. This incredible film is based on true stories of communities uniting to improve their public schools. It opens today nationwide.

After seeing the film, Mayfield believes it can be the catalyst to improving our local schools. Now she is challenging StudentsFirst members to get 10,000 people to pledge to see the film. Pledge to see "Won't Back Down" now:

http://studentsfirst.org/pledge-WBDmovie

Mayfield asked me to send you this short note on her behalf:

I was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of a major event -- the premiere of "Won't Back Down." This film is sure to be one of the best movies of 2012.

 Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis play two very determined mothers who will stop at nothing to transform their children's failing inner-city school. Fighting against a powerful bureaucracy, they risk everything to make a difference in their children's education and future.

I believe this film has the ability to inspire communities to turn around their schools. If we can get 10,000 StudentsFirst members to see this film, we can create a wave of change. Pledge to see "Won't Back Down" and make a difference in your community:

http://studentsfirst.org/pledge-WBDmovie

This film resonated in a very personal way for me. As a mother of three boys -- Michael Jr., Justin, and Matthew -- I know the struggle my husband and I went through as we tried to place them in schools that would foster the best in them.

I have experienced the traditional public school system, Catholic schools and charter schools. Just like the moms in the film, I have always done whatever it takes to get the best education for my kids. I made it my mission to be an advocate for my children. I currently have a college senior, a college freshman and a high school junior that I am very proud of, but my battle is not over yet.

Not until every child has the opportunity to have an excellent education will the battle be over.

This movie brilliantly shows that the battle lines are not between teachers and parents. It reminds us that teachers choose their careers because of their love for children -- we all know it's not for the money.

I recommend all parents and teachers see this film. You will leave cheering and mobilized to double your efforts for our children. Pledge to see it now:
http://studentsfirst.org/pledge-WBDmovie

We also invite you to watch OneWorld's highly regarded Parents and Teachers Team-Building 1-hr TV program at this link:  http://youtu.be/b_vjtSflhe0  Parent and Teachers Team-Building Benefits all Students