Dear Friends,
The threat to Public Education is real, which is why the 7th Annual Women’s Summit will spotlight this important issue with keynote speakers, workshops and special sessions just for School Board candidates.
Check out the exciting programming supporting public education on Saturday (July 22) at the Summit. Get your ticket now!
We are ALL IN for Public Education,
Stair
SPEAKERS on the Main Stage
- Anne Holton, Former VA Secretary of Education (2014-2016)
- Atif Qarni, Former VA Secretary of Education (2018 – 2021)
WORKSHOPS
Combat Book Bans Using Advocacy Tools: Bring the Hammer
- Judy Deichman, Library Media Services, Richmond Public Schools
- Lisa Varga, Executive Director, Virginia Library Association
Book bans have quadrupled in the past two years, both in public and school libraries, relying on misinformation and flagrant manipulation of library policies and procedures. Book bans are misguided and ignore the First Amendment rights of students and our citizens. The majority of titles removed represent the lived experiences of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Attendees will walk away with tools to combat attempts to ban books in your communities.
History of Culture Wars Against Public Schools and Its Relevance Today
- Vanessa Hall, Dark Money Expert
- Holly Hazard, 4 Public Education
- Atif Qarni, Former VA Secretary of Education
- Tiffany Ver der Hyde, Executive Director, We the People for Education
The onslaught of misinformation and political fodder attacking public education did not simply spring up during the 2019 Virginia Gubernatorial election. Its roots date back decades. Dark money and political ambition continue to converge to create a hostile and dangerous force against public education and its role in a strong democracy. This panel will delve into the current effort to destroy public schools and describe who is funding the disinformation campaign disguised as a “parents’ rights” movement.
How the War on Education Is Coming to an Election Near You
- Cheryl Binkley, Educator, Past President, Virginia Educators United
- Sookyung Oh, Nakase Action Fund
- Tiffany Ver der Hyde, Executive Director, We the People for Education
The radical right is weaponizing public education to capture and segregate voters by manufacturing concerns over book bans, mental health counseling, bathrooms, sports, and LGBTQ+ issues to instill fear in parents about the declining state of public schools. But here’s the truth: public schools are not declining, and parents do have a say in education. This panel will reveal the strategies to effectively communicate how this war on education is affecting our communities and our democracy.
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE SESSION (Special time 4 – 6PM)
- Dr. Lorita Daniels, School Board Member
- Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe, School Board Member & Norfolk Public Schools
- Atif Qarni, Former VA Secretary of Education
You’re in the Arena. Now what? Learn how to navigate the treacherous waters of school board politics in this rare opportunity to engage with other candidates and learn from some of the most seasoned experts in the field. Topics covered include:
- Handling email and social media.
- Protecting your family from trolls and other online threats.
- Maintaining your sanity in the insane world of school board politics.
- Increasing your exposure in your community and build community partnerships
REGISTER FOR THE 7TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S SUMMIT NOW!