Community encouraged to support METCO Advocacy Day

Apr 13

(1-2 minute read)

Supporters of Reading’s METCO community are encouraged to take action as Advocacy Day arrives at the State House, with organizers calling on residents, students, and families to help protect and strengthen the program.

Advocacy Day at the State House

METCO Advocacy Day will take place today, Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Massachusetts State House (24 Beacon Street, Boston). Registration with a light breakfast will be provided at 10:00 am, the program will begin at 10:30 am, and the regional meeting will take place at 12:30 pm.

Organizers are inviting community members to join them in person and engage directly with lawmakers to advocate for continued and expanded funding for METCO programs.

Why it matters

The METCO program provides students with expanded educational opportunities and fosters school integration and education equity. Its impact is made possible through state funding, making advocacy efforts a key part of its future sustainability.

Participants attending Advocacy Day will have the opportunity to:

Share personal stories and experiences
Speak to issues affecting their district and community
Highlight the impact of METCO programs

Ways to get involved

Supporters can participate in several ways:

Attend Advocacy Day
Join organizers at the State House to advocate directly with lawmakers. RSVP here.
Contact your state representative
Residents are encouraged to take a few minutes to send a message to lawmakers in support of increased METCO funding.
Support locally through donations
Donations to Friends of Reading METCO will help increase visibility at Advocacy Day through materials and outreach efforts.

Community effort to sustain METCO

Organizers emphasized that the program’s future depends on collective community support, noting that advocacy efforts help ensure continued opportunities for students and families.

“This is your moment to show up,” organizers said in their call to action, highlighting the importance of community voices in shaping state-level funding decisions.

With Advocacy Day today, supporters are being asked to take part, whether by attending in person, contacting legislators, or supporting local efforts, to help sustain and grow METCO programs for the future.