Back in the fall of 1997, when the historic public education rally took place at the Alberta legislature, Myra Rybotycki was a young education student. Attending the rally provided the young student with her first exposure to the Alberta Teachers’ Association, and now, 25 years later, Rybotycki is an ATA staff officer and one of dozens of staff who have been busy organizing the upcoming Oct. 22 Stand for Education rally.
“I’m super excited for a new generation of teachers to experience the camaraderie and professional support of their colleagues as we rally around this important issue,” Rybotycki said. “For me, reflecting back on a 25-year career, it’s a very moving experience to revisit that same sort of energy.”
The event has been a logistical challenge to organize. Rybotycki and an entire team of staff have spent hours lining up transportation, entertainment, food trucks, activities, tents, tables, scarves, signs, water stations and portable toilets.
Visitors to the site will notice a large centre operations tent near the bus drop-off area. This is where they can pick up a rally scarf and sign.
Rybotycki has been recruited to serve as “ground captain.” She and a team of 20 grounds marshals will be decked out in bright pink vests so they’re easy to spot for those who have questions or need assistance.
“It’s trying to ensure that people have a safe, comfortable, enjoyable experience and that we can support our members in practical ways when they’re attending the rally,” she said.
Momentum building
Locals around the province are organizing their members, and buses, to take part in the event, which is aimed at raising the importance of public education to ensure it’s a top issue during the upcoming provincial election.
An RSVP portal has been set up and it’s generating considerable traffic.
“There’s been significant response from membership and we want to keep the momentum rolling,” said ATA president Jason Schilling. “I’m hearing a lot of interest from all parts of the province, so I’m looking forward to a real show of solidarity from teachers and members of the public.”
The Alberta School Councils Association (ASCA) is partnering with the ATA in organizing the event. ASCA president Brandi Rai said many parents across the province have Oct. 22 marked on their calendars.
“Parents are very concerned about public education,” Rai said, “so many of our members will be coming out and making their voices heard.” ❚
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RSVP to attend the rally Please visit www.standforeducation.ca and RSVP so ATA organizers know how many people to expect on Oct. 22. It is very important that people sign up on this site as this will help us determine the appropriate number of buses and food trucks (as well as portable toilets). |
Accessible transportation in the works
Accessible transportation in the works
Efforts are underway to ensure that accessible transportation is available to and from the rally site.
- The legislature site for the rally is accessible.
- Edmonton Transit System (ETS) operates the Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS).
- DATS is limited to service within the corporate limits of the City of Edmonton.
- DATS requires a preregistration and clients must meet eligibility requirements.
- DATS information can be accessed at Dedicated Accessible Transit Service (DATS) | City of Edmonton.
- The Association is working with ETS to ensure that accessible buses are available on the charter service to and from the rally.
- There will be closed streets near the rally site.
- Stay tuned for updated maps indicating where street closures may impact the ability to drop off/pick up rally attendees in private vehicles.
