Philadelphia is the 8th largest school system in the U.S.  More than 5,000 public school teachers and staff members have been laid off in the past 2 years.  Students are affected by this budget crisis in a myriad of ways, including their overall health, development and academic progression.  This day-long symposium hopes to:

• Provide attendees with practical resources to help them advocate for themselves and students;
  
• Connect various parts of the community system (adults, teachers, students) with advocacy;
• Inspire change through provision of information; and
• Create a space for people to discuss crisis with the School District of Philadelphia.

Scheduled speakers include:

• Bishop Dwayne Royster, POWER Philadelphia
• Dr. Ken Hardy, Professor, Drexel Couple and Family Therapy Departmenty
• Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown
• Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, President and CEO, Opportunities Industrialization Center of Philadelphia