Citizens' Campaign for Commercial-Free Schools

GIVING THANKS
Testimony to School Board
Nov. 21, 2001
Brita Butler-Wall

Since 1997, the Citizens' Campaign for Commercial-Free Schools has been urging you to adopt a strong policy regarding commercialism in the Seattle public schools. But what is a Citizens' Campaign? Since it is the day before Thanksgiving, let me explain by telling what our campaign has to be thankful for…here are our top 10--

1. MICHAEL PRESTON for his 20 years of advocacy for children and being a strong voice for commercial-free schools. We also thank Nancy Waldman and others who have helped bring forward this policy today.

2. our FOUNDERS—that handful of parents, teachers and community members who had a vision of commercial-free schools, and who have persisted in holding that vision for the past five years

3. our SUPPORTERS – the 1000 –plus people in 60 communities all over the state who share our concern, and those who have donated their time and resources to this campaign

4. our ADVISORS—the experts in health care, education and media literacy who have shared their expertise with us

5. our ENDORSERS -- those community leaders, elected officials, and school board candidates who have spoken out about the dangers of privatizing public education in a democracy

6. the MEDIA—particularly those in public, community and alternative media—for keeping this issue in front of the public

7. our MENTORS for their inspiration and moral support – people such as Gary Ruskin, Alex Molnar, and authors Naomi Klein and David Korten.

8. the CITIZENS who have taken the time to inform themselves on this issue, including those doing the walkthrough of 30 Seattle schools and participating in the district's advertising committee. They have raised important questions and helped us understand the underlying issues.

9. our COALITION PARTNERS – the many local and statewide organizations who have now joined us in taking a stand against commercial exploitation of children at school. You have read their resolutions and heard their testimony at previous meetings. Together, our coalition partners represent over 170,000 people in this area.

10. Finally, our NATURAL ALLIES -- those businesses which support Seattle schools without using them as a vehicle for advertising, those teachers who carve out commercial-free zones in their own classrooms, those principals and parents who refuse to participate in commercial fundraising schemes, and those children who actively resist being corporatized at school.

This, then, is our CITIZENS' CAMPAIGN. We have depth, breadth, and tremendous momentum. Today you have an opportunity to do the right thing for children by voting for a strong policy prohibiting logos and other forms of commercial activity in schools. The Citizens' Campaign for Commercial-Free Schools is offering you all the COMMUNITY SUPPORT you need to do what you know in your hearts is right. Please join us.

Thank you.