AIM March Newsletter
We’ve had an action-packed month! Between our statewide campaign, our countywide Pre-K campaign, and our local organizing, we have lots of exciting updates to share with you.
Universal Pre-K Action
Photo credit: David Choy
On Sunday, March 17th, 208 parents and AIM leaders packed Harmony Hills Elementary School for our Universal Pre-K Action! In groups with parents, providers, and key officials, we dug into barriers and solutions to expanding pre-K.
This action came out of several months of intensive work. During our preparation for the community forum, we met with local government entities and private providers involved in the expansion of prekindergarten. We want the county to not only meet the state requirements for expanding pre-K seats but to go further. We want all 3- and 4-year-old children to have access to early education in our county.
Our demands for Montgomery County Public Schools, the Children’s Opportunity Alliance, the Board of Education, and the County Council include creating a 5-year plan for pre-K expansion and performing the coordination needed to make it happen.
Moving forward, we’re keeping up the pressure on our county officials to expand pre-K. Our next step is to attend the county’s FY25 Budget Hearing on Monday, April 8th. Learn more and RSVP here. We also will host an accountability action in the fall where we will check on our officials’ progress. Keep acting with us on our way to universal pre-K!
Statewide Campaign
Since January, we have been advocating for four statewide bills related to climate justice, affordable housing, and tenants’ rights in the Maryland legislative session. Our support for these bills stems from the experiences of our community members who are facing unhealthy levels of gas in their homes, unaffordable housing, and unfair evictions.
We’ve held two advocacy days at the State House, on February 21st and March 13th, to meet with our legislators about the bills we support. Almost 100 of us from PATH, AIM, ACT, and our allies attended the February 21st advocacy day and left an impact on our legislators.
Thanks to your great work, all of the bills we're supporting this year have made it to "cross over" to the opposite chamber (House or Senate)! Now in the final stretch of the legislative session (before April 8th), we’re emailing our legislators to ask them to vote for the bills. Stay tuned for updates on the outcomes of the bills!
Burnt Mills Action
We had a productive meeting on March 11th at Burnt Mills Elementary School with parents, school staff, and Councilmembers Mink and Albornoz.
As parents and school staff explained, many Burnt Mills families struggle with basic needs and need access to resources like job training and English language classes. AIM is organizing these families to advocate for more school-based resources at Burnt Mills, including Linkages to Learning. This program would provide essential social services to Burnt Mills families, supporting students’ health and learning. In order to make this happen, Burnt Mills needs support from the County Council, so we’re following up with them.
In the county budget hearing on April 8th, parents are testifying to ask for Linkages to Learning at Burnt Mills. RSVP here to attend and show your support.
