A clerical chapter union leader from the Brewster Teachers Association in Putnam County had a "phenomenal" two days advocating in Washington on issues that matter to School-Related Professionals and all public school educators.

As part of a national contingent of American Federation of Teachers members working with the American Association of Classified School Employees, Joanne Colombo met with elected leaders and congressional staff to press on issues of education funding and the need for school infrastructure improvements. The AFT is one of NYSUT's national affiliates.

While new to the activist role in Washington, Columbo said, "As an SRP, I know I have an important role to play in educating children. You can't be intimidated by being in a politician's office. It felt good to talk about these issues."

Colombo met with staff for Hudson Valley Congressman John Hall and with a representative of New York's senior senator, Chuck Schumer.

"I stressed the importance of federal funding for schools because state funding is often not enough," she said. "We must have healthy schools so all our colleagues and our students have a safe environment to educate and to learn. If we don't give our students that, what lesson are we teaching them?"

Along with the other unionists, Colombo met with two state attorneys general to discuss school security concerns. "As we spoke, you could see the lights come on for them about the important role SRPs play in direct contact with students every day," she said.

NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue, who oversees SRP issues for the union and works with Colombo on NYSUT's SRP Committee, called Colombo "a great advocate for SRPs and an excellent representative."