By Kim Wiemer Noyce

Have you heard about the Moving Wisconsin Forward Rally, this Saturday, October 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.? WEAC is co-sponsoring the rally to demonstrate our support for a better future in Wisconsin. We want to move forward from joblessness and families struggling for health care. Instead we want to tell our incoming legislators, no matter who gets elected, that we want job creation, health care for everyone (particularly families and children) and a quality public education system – of which ESP members are critical. We all live here, and if we don’t invest in Wisconsin and protect our future, our neighborhoods may become a less safe and enjoyable place to live.

Education is our future! And everyone knows how much layoffs and cuts affect the students. They impact the way everyone else does their job, and how much time they get to interact with the students. We need enough kitchen staff to make sure the kids are eating right and getting nutritious meals. We need custodians, security, and health services staff to make sure the school is clean and safe for students AND other staff. The secretaries, administrative assistants, bus drivers are the front lines with every student, parent, community member, and guest that approaches the school. Paraprofessionals are instrumental in the development of student success, particularly those students who benefit from extra attention. WE are all valuable, but we, as support staff, seem to be the first to get laid off or cut.

Please join us and stand up for your jobs this weekend at the Moving Wisconsin Forward Rally. Each and every person matters. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors. Check with your UniServ to see if it is sending a bus that you can join. Any and all can ride the bus. WE will also be distributing T-shirts that you will want to sign up for with your UniServ. 

We will stand together with our co-sponsors and supporters such as firefighters, police, city and municipal workers and all of the community members that believe in our services. Meet me at the State Capitol, State Street entrance, and Move Education and Wisconsin Forward!

Come for the issue and the mission. Stay for the fun and the entertainment! Let your voice be heard.