Policy, Action and Activism

Over the past three decades, People for Education has grown from a small, grassroots initiative into one of Canada’s most respected and influential voices in public education policy. In this keynote, Executive Director Annie Kidder will reflect on the organization’s evolution and its impact on shaping equitable, evidence-based education.

Through research, policy development, and public engagement, People for Education has influenced provincial and national conversations about the essential role of the arts and music in a well-rounded curriculum.

Annie Kidder’s keynote will offer a practical look at how long-term advocacy can influence public policy and create lasting systemic change. Attendees will gain concrete strategies for protecting and expanding access to music education and learn how to build broader support through effective policy engagement.

Annie will be joined for this presentation by visionary music program founder Roberta Guaspari, creator of the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music, and veteran of public arts education funding cuts.

Roberta has built a reputation as an inspiring teacher and mentor whose ceaseless dedication has changed the lives of generations of students. Her story was told in the documentary film Small Wonders and dramatized by Meryl Streep in the 1999 film, Music of the Heart.

Today, she stands as both a beacon for music education and a warning about the need for vigilance, activism and community engagement to keep the arts alive in our schools. Her example demonstrates the need to put pressure governments to properly value the arts and simply take for granted the idealism and dedication of music and arts educators.