Virtual Strike: Get Involved!

August 8, 2008

As part of the Kids Are Priority One Coalition's Child Care Subsidy Campaign, the Coalition's lead organizations are working with Building Bright Futures Councils and other organizations/programs across the state to organize a statewide virtual strike. The virtual strike is a “what if” strike during which early care and education programs remain open but parents who use child care will wear buttons to work that say: "This employee made possible by child care." Other allies will wear buttons with a different message that also links child development and economic development.

The virtual strike will take place from Tuesday, Oct. 14 to Saturday, Oct. 18. The virtual strike has several goals:
  • To raise awareness among employers, policymakers and the public about the link between child development and economic development;
  • To reinforce our advocacy for up-to-date child care subsidy eligibility guidelines and rates;
  • To show policymakers that we are paying attention to decisions being made related to the state budget; and
  • To offer parents a meaningful way to take action on issues related to child care.
A statewide Planning Committee, which has a representative from almost every region of the state, is recommending that each day of the virtual strike focus on a different "stakeholder":
  • Tuesday: early childhood educators/teachers/after-school providers
  • Wednesday: parents
  • Thursday: business
  • Friday: policymakers
  • Saturday: regional event, to be determined by the region
Each regional planning group will decide what kinds of activities geared towards these stakeholders it wants to organize. For example, on Wednesday, Oct. 15, early childhood programs could ask parents to sign a pre-printed or handwritten postcard to their legislator, urging him/her to increase the rates and income eligibility guidelines for the Child Care Subsidy Program. On Thursday, parents participating in the strike could give their employer a handout that explains the connection between child development and economic development (the Kids Are Priority One Coalition staff are drafting this).

The Planning Committee is collecting ideas for activities that engage parents, early childhood programs, school-age providers, businesses and community leaders in this event. If you have an idea, please contact Kelly Ault, the Kids Are Priority One Coalition's Parent Organizing, at kault1@earthlink.net or (802) 223-1080, by Friday, Aug. 22nd. She will compile all the ideas (including those provided by leaders of New Hampshire's 2001 virtual strike) into one document that will be posted on the Coalition's website. Also let Kelly know if you are interested in participating in the virtual strike. She will pass your name and contact information along to your local contact person.

Help raise awareness about the importance that early care and education plays in Vermont's economy. Help make the case for updating the Child Care Subsidy Program's income eligibility guidelines and rates. Get involved in this exciting statewide event!