RPA Students Visit State Capital, Advocate for Charter Schools

On Tuesday, March 7, thirteen RPA students visited Salem to meet with legislators at the Capitol for Charter School Advocacy Day and to discuss bills of interest to RPA and other charter schools. 

An annual event, Charter School Advocacy Day is a time for students to learn about the legislative process, learn best practices on how to be an effective advocate, understand how education proposed bills may impact charter schools and meet with legislators to share personal experiences about the importance of charter schools.  

Throughout the day, students met with multiple house members and state senators to discuss school funding and to share their stories about RPA. 

“It was a great opportunity to learn not only what the senate does but how the process works, said ninth-grader Ashton Craig. “Advocating for charter schools to legislators taught me a lot about using my voice and stories to try and make a difference.”

Students were also able to observe the senate in session and were allowed to go to the floor of both the house and senate, a privilege reserved for members, staff and special guests. 

“I think being a part of the government is important and I’m glad I was able to meet senators and talk to them about issues that concerned me,” said senior Benjamin Barrie. “Charter Schools are important to me not only because I attend one, but also because I genuinely believe in what they stand for.”