MY LETTER SENT:
October 31, 2011
Dear Representative Meeks:
Dear Senator Schumer:
Dear Senator Gillibrand:
I am writing to ask for your support of the Teaching Geography Is Fundamental Act ("TGIF," S. 434 and H.R. 885).
If you are not already a cosponsor of this important legislation, I ask that you please become one by contacting Congressman Chris Van Hollen's office (sarah.schenning@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-5341) or Senator Thad Cochran's office (will_todd@cochran.senate.gov or (202) 224-5054).
TGIF would be an important first step in correcting the oversight that has left geography as the only one of the nine "core academic subjects" as recognized by federal education legislation not to have received a dedicated source of federal funding.
Geography education is fundamental to building an informed citizenry that is able to understand and address issues such as global conflict, economic competitiveness, and the protection of natural and cultural resources. Our nation's current lack of emphasis on geography education has resulted in a crisis in geographic literacy that is jeopardizing our ability to compete in the global economy, our position of diplomatic leadership, and our ability to fill and retain over 70,000 new skilled jobs in the geospatial technology industry.
Nine years ago when I graduated out of high school, I didn't believe the advice "follow your dreams and passions" until I declared my major as Geography. Geography is a critical, vital and the foundation for every other discipline. It is the link between physical geography and human geography that provides us with disciplines of Earth sciences and human society on the political, cultural, social, and economic aspects. Without GEOGRAPHY / Mapping we would have no world trade, massive transportation options, GPS and etc.
I ask that you please sign on as a cosponsor of TGIF and help to support this important and timely legislation.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ms. KY
Comments
Post a Comment