HAVE A BIG MESSAGE AND A SMALL BUDGET? Ray Seaman shares how to create an effective grassroots campaign

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Last year, Ray Seaman coordinated the Yes For MarionSchools campaign, which led to the passage last November of an education funding referendum that garnered 54% of the vote. At the April 17 Ocala FPRA Chapter Luncheon, Ray will share how he helped accomplish this through the organization he co-founded.

Ray, a Weirsdale native and graduate of St. John Lutheran High School, is currently the online director for Progress Florida, a nonprofit progressive advocacy organization. He carries a BA in Political Science with a Certificate in Public Leadership from the University of Florida. In 2009 co-founded Marions United For Public Education, a grassroots group of parents, teachers, and citizens working to build stronger and more effective public schools in Marion County.

In 2014, Marions United led a community coalition to write the one mill school funding referendum. Its passing will provide $60 million in new funding to Marion County Public Schools over the next four years, specifically for reading, art, music, school libraries, PE, vocational programs, and reducing class sizes.

The April 17 meeting begins with networking from 11:30 a.m. – noon at the College of Central Florida’s Ewers Century Center (3001 SW College Road, Ocala). The luncheon and presentationwill run from noon – 1 p.m.

The meeting is not limited to members – guests and non-members are welcome to attend with payment and RSVP to [email protected] by Tuesday, April 14.

Cost is $20 for members and $25 for guests and for members who pay at the door. Visit http://www.fpraocala.org/event-registration/ to register and pay online.