February 28, 2025

Turning Words into Action: Advocating for Our Public Schools

As President of this dedicated and passionate group, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work we’ve accomplished together and highlight an essential component of our mission: advocacy. At its core, advocacy is about more than just speaking up—it’s about putting our words into meaningful action, ensuring that our schools receive the resources, support, and recognition they deserve.

Public schools are the heart of our communities. They are where creativity and futures are built. However, these outcomes don’t happen in isolation; they require investment and a collective voice to advocate for them. Without our shared commitment to amplifying the needs of our students, teachers, and administrators, the vital resources and policies necessary for their success could be overlooked.

This is why I believe the work PSBAA and its members do is so important. Since our last gathering, I have been fuelled by the passion of this group and I want to take that collective energy and use our voices to bring attention to the needs of our schools. Whether through meetings with local leaders, participation in community events, or simply engaging in conversations with parents and neighbours—we become the bridge that connects our schools to the broader community. We translate the stories of dedicated teachers, talented students, and innovative programs into action items for policymakers and stakeholders.

Advocacy is not always easy. It requires persistence and a willingness to listen, learn, and adjust. But the impact is profound. When we step forward, we are able to remind others of the crucial role public education plays in shaping Alberta’s future. We show that our schools are vibrant spaces of growth, equity, and opportunity.

I am immensely proud of the work we have already done as an association. We have rallied together countless times and elevated the voices of those who may not have otherwise been heard. These achievements reflect our collective power and the dedication we bring to every meeting, initiative, and conversation.

As we move forward, I urge each of you to continue being advocates in your own way. A highlighted theme from our recent gathering was bringing our work to the community rather than having the community come to us. I fully believe this mindset will set us up for future success in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Never underestimate the power of a heartfelt conversation. Advocacy isn’t confined to speeches or official meetings—it happens every time we engage someone in understanding the value of public education.

Together, we can ensure that our schools remain places where students thrive, teachers feel supported, and communities grow stronger. As always, I want to thank you for your unwavering commitment and for making our advocacy work so effective and inspiring.

Dennis MacNeil