LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION RESPONDS TO PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL BUDGET CUTS BY ORGANIZING SCHOOL CLEAN UPS
“While many have voiced outrage, it’s those individuals and organizations that have stepped up to the plate to provide much needed services and/or support, which help us to maintain our focus providing quality education to our youth.”
PHILADELPHIA – October 22, 2014 – A Philadelphia based nonprofit called the Influencing Action Movement, largely known for its virtual mentoring programs and young professionals networking initiatives, has organized a collaborative effort to takeover Martin Luther King Promise Academy High School on Saturday, October 25, 2014 from 9am – 12pm for a school-wide clean-up.
Influencing Action Movement President, Felicia Harris, is one of many Philadelphians disturbed by the lack of resources available in Philadelphia Public Schools. After months of reading news story about District cuts to school counselors, nurses, supplies, security and custodial staff, she finally begin seeking ways in which her organization could support many of the schools in need. On Friday, September 26 the Influencing Action Movement partnered with the Finley Recreation Center in the Northwest section of Philadelphia to provide workshops on conflicts resolution and interviewing skills in an effort to help students prepare for a challenging academic year with limited or no access to school counselors and limited school security.
This Saturday, the Influencing Action Movement will continue in its efforts of giving and host their first school-wide clean-up day at Martin Luther King Promise Academy. William Wade, Principal of the school said, “Philadelphia’s citizens are aware of the recent budget cuts to schools and the financial constraints we face. While many have voiced outrage, it’s those individuals and organizations that have stepped up to the plate to provide much needed services and/or support, which help us to maintain our focus providing quality education to our youth. The acceptance of our leadership role in serving the needs of our community and children is accomplished by working collaboratively with our partners and networking with other organizations who share our vision and Ms. Felicia Harris, President and CEO of the Influencing Action Movement, is a partner who embraces this vision. Her organization’s outreach efforts to organize a Clean-up Campaign at Martin Luther King Promise Academy shows her dedication as a vested stakeholder and we are grateful. Encompassed in our mission statement is the goal to provide a safe, orderly, and secure environment conducive to learning because everything we do is aligned to student success. We encourage everyone to join us for this day of community service.”
Too many Philadelphia Public School students are sitting in classrooms and walking through school hallways uncomfortable and at times disgusted because of the cuts to custodial staff and security. As parents, teachers, students, civic organizations and others continue to apply pressure for adequate funding for our schools, there is much to be done in the interim.
The Influencing Action Movement’s day of service at Martin Luther King Promise Academy is open to all individuals and organizations who want to truly roll up their sleeves and fight for our schools and our students. To register for this service project, visit iamnetwork.eventbrite.com or email fharris@influencingaction.org.