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The bottom line is this...we need your financial support. Use the link above.

An open letter from Louise Lee, co-founder of SOS-NC--September 2009

While I am breathing a sigh of relief and gratitude at the outcome of our efforts in 2009, such a victory did not come without a price — both figuratively and literally. Few people realize how very close we came to losing the five-year-old fight to keep the 2004 school calendar law intact, thus preserving a traditional summer as an option for NC families.

The groups that continue to oppose our cause are powerful, organized, and extremely determined. Not only do they have influential leaders and permanent, well-paid lobbyists, they also have plenty of resources, monetary and otherwise, at their disposal. As you may or may not know, as a non-profit organization, SOS-NC depends solely on contributions to carry out its work. We have finally established ourselves as a force to be reckoned with, and it would be tragic, and devastating to our cause, to be forced to back off now. WE NEED YOUR HELP!

SOS-NC is long past the days when it could rely solely on a hand-full of volunteers working a few months out of the year to carry out its mission. This grassroots organization now requires ongoing attention and planning on the part of its leaders. My dear family has come to see this as my almost full-time mission! :^) This year, we had to pull out all stops in order to keep the twelve filed bills from becoming law. That included retaining the services of two lobbyists with a heart for our cause. Their tireless efforts, valuable contacts, and “watchdog” mentality played a major role in ensuring our success.

SOS-NC is in dire need of contributions. At this point in the battle, it is imperative that we have professional lobbyists who are a visible presence down at the legislature each day that the General Assembly is in session – lobbyists who know what to look and listen for — and who to talk with — so that SOS-NC can plan accordingly and not be caught off-guard. We must continue to keep this website going, as it is the only place where citizens, businesses, etc. (both in and out of state) can go for comprehensive information on NC’s school calendar issues.

I would not be asking for your help during such tough economic times if the need was not critical. Think back —if you enjoyed and cherished your summer this year, please consider making a donation to the group that has endlessly fought for over five years to preserve it. Any amount is greatly appreciated, and what is given now will be put to immediate use.

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As always, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and passion for this cause. With recent local and national talks of lengthening the school year, summers as we know them are being threatened more than ever. If Save Our Summers - NC is to remain the stronghold for protecting summers, its support base will have to grow. Please make a concerted effort now and over the next several months to let others know why they should never take those "lazy days of summer" for granted, and introduce them to the SOS-NC website.