Taking time to write politicians is important when fighting a cause.

It has been a while since I have written a blog and a really long time since I have written a blog fully dedicated to just Family and Consumer Sciences. 

My Dad is 83 and has been involved with politics for some 60 years.  We try to take him to Denny's (his choice) at least once a month and he is often reflective on his work and personal history.  Talking to him reminded me that even though I am no longer a FACS teacher and no long a substitute teacher I need to keep fighting for the profession that I have been so passionate about for a good chunk of my life.

Several months ago when I was thinking about people in the news talking about food and nutrition and starting up "new" programs to promote healthy eating and food preparation through our government it stoked my passion flame and I started writing a letter to my states senators and my representative.  I also sent a condensed version to the President as words are limited on his website.

I feel that our organization has gotten a little spark from the recent publicity and articles written about bringing back Home Economics.  I also think that the organization's "Dine In" campaign was wonderful and I personally hope that the tradition continues. 

This year I went William Sonoma for the "Beekman Boys" book signing on dine in day as they were in support of the "Dine In" campaign.  Here is a picture from "twitter" of fellow AAFCS member Kathy Norquist, the Beekman boys and myself that night.

 

And....back to politics.....I would like to encourage each of you to write your local and national politicians about what you do and the importance of using your course in obesity prevention.

The following is my letter example:  Please feel free to use content from the letter in your own letter.  Remember many letters on one specific topic tend to get noticed!

"Dear Mr. President, First Lady:

I would like to address the issue of “Obesity Prevention” & its relationship to Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS/FCS), formerly known as “Home Economics.”

One of the things that disturbs me is the fact that our First Lady, the Heart Association, & local politicians are focusing on only exercise when it came to Obesity prevention.  Five years ago I attended a hearing in MN. Al Franken spoke & talked about what he was doing on this subject. He talked about his daughter’s (a chef) program in DC to teach children how to cook. Of course we were not allowed to comment & me, being an outspoken person, ran after Senator Franklin & waited for him while he was in the restroom.

I talked to his aid about programs that our nation has in place, such as FACS, that teaches children how to make healthy foods From scratch! They appeared to be interested, I wrote them, & never received a response. 

What I want to know is, why is this nation so against supporting things that already exist?

Like society, FACS has changed with time. In fact, many chefs get their start from the FACS program that is very much a part of the STEM movement. Although this field is immersed in math and Science (see history of Home Ec beginnings) it must always prove itself.

Schools that continue to promote the Food Nutrition should be given a supplemental funding. The let’s move program should use this already in place program to promote proper cooking & eating agendas. Processed food that our nation digests is a huge problem.

Before I left North High School I developed a Class called Healthy living. This course alternated, every other day, with Physical Education. The class focuses on many things but eating & cooking healthy food is one of the main teaching points. Students are also required to plan & make a meal for their family which we hope encourages family cooking.

As a FACS educator I saw family life, cooking skills, ethics & kindness, astute consumerism & parenting dwindle. These are all programs that FACS addresses in depth. These educators are often in fear of losing their positions & are annually on the chopping block as they are deemed not important.

I hope that you, as leaders, take a look at the good the FACS Educators of our nation do. I hope that you consider giving schools that house these programs a reward for having them & giving them EXTRA FUNDING for addressing the obesity issue with hands on experience that children often do not get in their homes.   "

 

FACS associates and friends of FACS, I hope you find time in your life to fight for the passion of Family and Consumer Sciences.  If FACS has touched you or someone in your life take the time to push the FACS agenda. You might be a student, a parent, a teacher, former teacher or administrator but you know the work that Family and Consumer Sciences educators do is wonderful, and often underrated, so please help the cause.

Take care and have a Grand Spring,

With love from your retired FACS teacher,

Jane

 

P.S. we had the motorcycle out today for a short drive as it was in the 40's today.....oh it felt good, even in the cold.