Tag: edpresssec

@EdPressSec I would love to talk to you

Dear @EdPressSec,
I’ve left numerous messages via voicemail to see if anyone has had a chance to look up the information I requested regarding the Proposed FY2011 budget and funding of the National Writing Project.
The last I heard, someone would be getting back to me by the end of the day. That was Friday, March 11.
I don’t mean to be difficult, truly.
I have three starting questions:
As I said in my last two messages, I’m heading to D.C. this afternoon. The nice folks at the NWP have invited me to join them for their Spring Meeting. I’m happy to attend and hear how they are dealing with the potential elimination of direct funding of a national organization that has shown a positive impact on the teaching and learning of writing in America’s schools.
Thursday, I’ll be sitting down in the offices of Senators Specter and Casey to discuss the NWP.
Aside from those meetings, my schedule is free. If you have a few minutes, I’d thoroughly enjoy the chance to sit down and discuss my questions. I’ll even bring the coffee.
Again, I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
@MrChase

Waiting to understand

The Gist:

  • A little over a week ago, I started trying to contact @EdPressSec on twitter to ask some questions about the elimination of direct federal funding for the National Writing Project.
  • When I didn’t get any answers, I moved from twitter to phone.
  • Though I’ve had a few promises that I’d be gotten back to (often by the end of the day), I’m still waiting.

The Whole Story:

This all stems from a few simple questions:

I’m attempting to understand, to gather more information from a variety of sources in order to be better informed.
Friday, I received a three calls from the DOE’s press office. Each person told me they would pass my request on to the appropriate person. Thus far, I’ve not heard back.
I understand the frenetic and demanding nature of the job of working within the press office. It’s why I wasn’t surprised when my initial calls took a few days to return.
But, this is a conversation worth having and one that deserves transparency.
I fully support the use of tools like twitter to offer a more fluid connection between citizens and their government. At this point, though, I’m getting the feeling the tools are being used to push out prepared statements, but not really communicate.
I’m feeling rather frustrated.