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    '); document.writeln(' Stand For Children'); document.writeln('

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    '); document.writeln('It’s been often said that if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.

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    '); document.writeln('Kenya Bradshaw and her colleagues agree, and that’s why they “Stand for Children.”

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    '); document.writeln('A grassroots organization devoted to mobilizing grassroots advocates to make sure every child has access to quality education, the Memphis branch of the 14-year-old national organization held a kickoff at the National Civil Rights Museum in mid-May with an outpouring of support for its approach and agenda for public education.  “There is such a strategic opportunity to transform public education in Memphis, and we are working to ensure the community is engaged in the process,” said Ms. Bradshaw. 

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    '); document.writeln('“Parents have not been told that they have power, and there’s been no vehicle for them to work through to address what happens in their schools and to work with other parents to affect the changes needed.  All children can learn, and we want to make sure every child gets their chance for a rigorous, quality education.”

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    '); document.writeln('The good news for Stand for Children is that parents are no longer content to sit on the sidelines but are looking to play active roles in the education of their children, she said.  Already, the Tennessee chapters of Stand for Children have made their voices heard in Nashville on issues dealing with K-12 funding and funding for infant mortality programs. Working with the other branches in Nashville, Chattanooga/Hamilton County, Knoxville, Rutherford County, and Sumner County, Ms. Bradshaw said parents are speaking out. 

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    '); document.writeln('“I’ve never met a parent that didn’t want to get involved in their child’s education, and when given a chance, they become leaders for greater opportunities.  Often, parents don’t know the opportunities that they have, and we want to make sure they know,” she said, drawing on her own experience in Memphis when as a high school student, she didn’t know about college preparatory programs. “It’s not about a lack of drive.  It’s about lack of exposure to what’s available and mediocre expectations become the level that kids perform to.”  Click here to read the entire profile.

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