Episode 26: A Conversation with AFT-MA Director or Organization, Brian LaPierre
We are more than fortunate to have dedicated powerhouses like AFT-MA Director of Organization Brian LaPierre supporting all of us!
One of the most talented and passionate advocates for public education, Brian is a member of the Lynn Teachers Union. He formerly taught at the Thurgood Marshall Middle School and at Lynn English High School. Tireless, enthusiastic, and resolute, Brian’s energy, enthusiasm and support for public education makes him a force to be reckoned with. As a political organizer, and now as AFT-MA’s Director of Organization, Brian is usually found at the forefront of issues and campaigns affecting public schools in Massachusetts.
Brian has twice been elected city councilor-at-large in Lynn, MA. In both 2015 and 2017, Brian topped the ticket in Lynn.
As Massachusetts gears up for our next educational fight, the Fund our Future Campaign, we know Brian will be on the frontlines making sure that our students, schools, families, and educators have the resources needed to support public education for everyone.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The Fund Our Future Campaign has compiled a one-page overview which includes the Docket Numbers for the Promise Act filed by Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, Rep. Aaron Vega, and Rep. Mary Keefe. That document can be found here.
As Brian mentioned, Lowell Public Schools are currently underfunded by about $42 million each year. Read more about how this underfunding impacts our community here.
Who represents you? You can look up your state representatives and state senators using this link from Massachusetts Legislature. We encourage you to also contact legislators from school districts in which you work as well. Click the icon of the human in the top right corner of the blue banner for a pull down search by zipcode/address.
The docket number for the Senate version of the Promise Act is SD.101 and you can read more here. The House version is HD.434 (information coming soon).
Looking to get more involved in this issue? Contact United Teachers of Lowell at utl@utlowell495.org and/or Lowell Education Justice Alliance (lowelleducationjusticealliance@gmail.com).
Thank you to AFT-MA Director of Organization, Brian LaPierre for speaking with us today. As the Fund Our Future Campaign gets underway, we will be sure to have Brian back to update us on how all of us can help ensure that this vital legislation is passed! We also thank you, our listeners and especially to UTL members for tuning in to this Episode. We welcome your general comments and feedback. If you have suggestions for future podcasts or if you are aware of a UTL member who might be willing to share expertise and experiences, please email us at utl-straighttalk@gmail.com.
And of course, if you enjoy our podcasts, be sure to spread the word - or share with a friend (or two).
Subscribe to UTL495-StraightTalk on Apple Podcasts
And, new this week: You can also listen to our Podcasts on Stitcher.
