MILE Celebrates Advocacy Day

Feb 15

Through a partnership between MILE, the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy, Morgan State University's School of Education and Urban Studies, and the Karabelle Pizzigati Initiative, students joined for Advocacy Day, MILE's recent outreach event. Students donned red as they traveled across Maryland to advocate for literacy policy at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, MD. The partnership aimed to address literacy issues surrounding the event theme, "For the Love of the Children."

Students spoke with local representatives to advocate for policies including funding the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, addressing chronic absenteeism, improving literacy education and professional development, reforming juvenile justice, and improving child welfare.

Through Advocacy Day, students learned more about Maryland's political landscape and created personal connections with legislators. While emphasizing the pressing need to address these issues, students' efforts also demonstrated their dedication to advancing literacy with respect to equity and marginalized communities.

Beyond outreach, students toured the Maryland State House and attended Maryland General Assembly hearings. By exploring the origins of the Maryland State House and taking an inside look at the political system shaping Maryland's future, students left Advocacy Day with a deeper understanding of the state's political landscape.

The collaboration between the University of Maryland and Morgan State University speaks for the power of collective action to bring about change. By using their voices, students are transforming Maryland's future and ensuring an equitable pathway to success for Maryland's young learners.