The Oriole Advocates are retooling for an exciting and productive year and we want LESS of your time!

Yes, you heard that right. We want you as a member of Oriole Advocates, but we are reducing the number of meetings this year and streamlining our organizational structure.

Two years ago, a group of Advocates organized with the goals to learn, communicate and advocate. Our advocacy has been intentional, strategic and disciplined. We have spoken formally and informally with community and state leaders and legislators. We had a positive influence on school funding. We made a difference!

So, why are we reducing the number of meetings? There certainly isn’t less work to do! We recognize that time is a precious commodity. For that reason, we have planned a schedule of jam-packed quarterly meetings to accomplish our continued goals.

A smaller executive committee will continue to meet monthly, but we need a larger group of Advocates ready to support our goals during this very important public school funding year.

Advocacy can feel intimidating to some, so we emphasize respectful, accurate, verifiable communication. Our meetings will be filled with information you can take back to use in your daily lives as you advocate for the needs of Avon teachers and students.

We are an inclusive organization and have members who are Avon Community School Corporation employees, parents, business leaders, and some who have no connection to the district other than living in Washington Township!

You are invited to join us for our first meeting of the year on Monday, Sept. 19 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Avon Administration Center (7203 E. U.S. Highway 36, Avon, IN 46123). There is no obligation to commit to membership or requirement to volunteer for work at the meeting. Just join us to find out more of what Oriole Advocates are all about.

To accomplish our goals, we need you! We hope you will join us.

All of our meetings are open to the public. Future meetings will be:

• Monday, Nov. 7 – 6:30-8 p.m. at the Administration Center
• Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 – 6:30-8 p.m. at the Administration Center
• Monday, March 6, 2017 – 6:30-8 p.m. at the Administration Center