Aug. 23, 2017 from 1 – 3:30 pm at the United Methodist Building, Garner, NC.
Public schools in North Carolina are a major public policy issue for all children in North Carolina. Budgets are being slashed, services reduced and teachers are not getting the support they need. Our efforts to support public schools through Congregations 4 Children (C4C) as noble and helpful as they are, are not enough to provide adequate education for our children. Bishop Hope Morgan Ward has called for a serious conversation to improve North Carolina schools and this Forum will be held Aug. 23 from 1 – 3:30 pm at the United Methodist Building.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Mike Priddy, former educator and leader, Chairman of the Public Schools Forum of North Carolina and advocacy organization led by education experts. He will speak to the need for congregational engagement in advocating at all governance levels for improved funding and services.
Dr. Michael D. Priddy retired from a 35-year career in education which began as a math teacher in Northampton County, NC and culminated with Superintendent of Pitt County Schools in Greenville, NC. During those years, Priddy served in just about every capacity of leadership in North Carolina school systems, having spent the bulk of his career in Guilford County.
A panel of experts will discuss more advocacy strategies followed by participative discussion. Bishop Hope Morgan Ward will provide some expectations for congregations to guide efforts to work beyond just providing C4C services to schools.
The North Carolina Conference is in partnership with the Western North Carolina Conference to create congregational capacity and engagement in advocating for public schools. We have formed the United Methodist Advocates for Public Education (UMAPS) to help congregations in this effort.
A lunch will be offered from 12 – 1 pm for attendees who would like to come early.
This Forum is organized by UMAPS and the North Carolina Conference Board of Church and Society.
Register by Aug. 16:
