Linda Rhoads, Executive Director, Alliance for Childhood

 

From schools banning homework to the American Academy of Pediatrics sounding the alarm on a student sleep-loss epidemic, communities are more restless than ever to break out of our current education culture. This fall, we have an unprecedented opportunity to channel our collective will into national action.

Throughout October, Race to Nowhere (check out the trailer below) will premiere on public television's World Channel, reaching 70 percent of households across the country. This television event represents our chance to harness the power of public television to bring a crucial conversation about American educational culture into living rooms nationwide. It also marks the launch of our national social action campaign, #BanBusy: Time to Thrive.

Invite your friends and family to watch Race to Nowhere, and then join the #BanBusy campaign by downloading our new broadcast party tool kit and visiting the #BanBusy site. Check for local air dates and times here.

 

 

Why #BanBusy?

In celebration of Race to Nowhere's 5th anniversary, we're launching #BanBusy: Time to Thrive, a national social action campaign that busts the myth that busy is better. Grounded in research, the campaign is our opportunity to raise awareness about the toll over-packed schedules are taking on the health, happiness, cognitive development, creativity and emotional development of our children.  

We're challenging you—students, parents, educators, coaches, and club advisors—to restore balance for the children in your care. You can help us paint a picture of what balance can look like, in and out of the classroom. Build forts and bake cookies. Take hikes and naps. Tinker, craft and create. Make time for downtime, playtime, family time. Then, using the hashtag #BanBusy, post pictures on Twitter and Instagram documenting the ways you are transforming time for your students. It's time we replaced images of stress, anxiety and overworked students with a picture of what's possible for childhood and education.

Help us build momentum for this movement. Start posting your #BanBusy pictures today! Banning busy may be the best thing you ever did for your students, your family, and yourself. We'll be cheering you on.