Historic Mobilization at the State Capitol to Save and Grow Louisiana Language and Culture

Date: March 20, 2024 - Journée internationale de la francophonie

Time: 8 am-5 pm (participants are encouraged to come for any portion of the day, particularly the afternoon)

Organizers: L'Assemblée de la Louisiane and allied organizations

Goals:

1. Establish the fight for French and Creole as a core political priority for legislators.

2. Advocate for the Louisiana French Education Choice Act to make French immersion available to all.

3. Advocate for legislation to protect high school French education by categorizing Computer Science as a science not a foreign language for TOPS scholarships.

4. Build support to ensure the success and growth of École Pointe-au-Chien.

5. Advocate for continued French programming on LPB.

6. Encourage ongoing discussion and improvement on other legislation to support French this session through education and economic development.

Meeting Location: assigned tables outside Senate chamber on 1st floor of the Capitol, 900 N 3rd St 900 N 3rd St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Parking: free parking along the river near across from the Capitol Annex building

Schedule:

1. 8 am - 12 pm - advocacy at House and Senate Committees

2. 12 pm - 1 pm - lunch provided, group photo in front of Capitol

3. 1 pm - 5 pm - advocacy and photos with Senators and Representatives outside the House and Senate chambers

What to Bring: posters, banners, merch, stickers, buttons, books, and literature on Louisiana French and Creole as well as Cajun, Creole, and Bayou Indian culture for tabling and sharing with legislators

What to Wear: business attire and/or Louisiana-themed shirts

Points of Contact:

1. Mars Ramsey, Assistant Secretary of Organization, marissanramsey@gmail.com, (337) 577-1168‬

2. Taalb Pierre Auguste, Vice President for Languages, Tauguste03@icloud.com, (225) 313-1454