Minn. Teachers Union Launches Media Campaign

ST. PAUL (AP) - The state teachers union, Education Minnesota, is launching a new media campaign to support the state's children and their schools.

It's called "I Raise My Hand" and will appear on television, online, direct marketing and in print advertising.

Through the campaign, Minnesotans will be asked to make written pledges to support their schools through the "I Raise My Hand" Web site and to follow up on those pledges in their communities.

Education Minnesota President Tom Dooher says the union picked the name because raising a hand is a classic sign in a classroom that someone is willing to step forward and participate.

The campaign comes as the Legislature is working to cut a $6.2 deficit, and education accounts for more than a third of the budget.