March 4wrd.

First meeting of March 4ward coalition is THIS Tuesday, March 9 from 4-7PM. Location: Diversity Center (New Union). At this meeting we will debrief March 4 actions and have a stategic planning session. We need to hear from you! Bring your ideas and positive energy!

A Fight for Our Future.

On March 4th, 2010 our state took the lead in making history. Tens of thousands took the initiative, and stood up for their right to a quality education. Simply put, the image was epic; people were out of windows, kids up against fences, watching a people once divided, unite and stand together for a common goal. I've never seen more comradeship from so many different walks of life. It was a group of thousands UNITED walking TOGETHER, arms linked, our voices FINALLY being heard. It was the first time in a long time that people put aside their differences and joined voices to say I WILL STAND UP FOR MY NEIGHBOR. No one cared who you were, what you did, or where you were from; grade school teacher, middle school student, college professor: we were all family on this day. A family angered for the treatment to a family member. Brothers and sisters alike stood up and said NO MORE! On March 4th we became a SINGLE VOICE. Much more powerful then any politician, or any administrator. Today and forever they will hear our voice ring "OUR EDUCATION IS OUR FUTURE!"

But the fight is not over. This is our time, there will be NO second chances. I quote, "The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays is coming to its close. In its place we are entering a period of consequences." — Winston S. Churchill

A word from a wise man, and he was right. We can wait no longer. We simply no longer have that luxury. We are entering a critical time in our history. And if we do not act now, there will be dire consequences. Picture America the land of opportunity and hope with absolutely no opportunity and no hope. It is your God given right to a better future. Don't let them steal your dignity. Our dignity cannot be BOUGHT. We don't have to take this lying down. Get up and FIGHT! Get up and fight beside us all, you are not alone. And I can guarantee that I will not stop. And I urge you all to do the same. Make them all do for US as they promised! Take back your EDUCATION. Lets put our STUDENTS FIRST. We are the foundation, without us, they have nothing.

I would like to thank the CFA and the SQE (Students for Quality Education) for giving us a role in helping with March 4th activities. Sherrie Canedo, Clint Hayden, Jessica Rios, Sean Shultz, Hawley Healy, Tiffany Bledsoe, Maureen Loughran, Professor Craig Collins; Great job guys proud to be a part of it. And Professor Ingram for believing that we could make a difference.

-Justin Areola.

Day of Action

So today was THE day, the beggining of our battle to eliminate the budget cuts and to save our schools and education. I woke up this morning planning on simply going to class, going to work and then going to the march and ralley in San Francisco. However, I ended up filling in for Sean therefore I got to be more than just a follower, I was a leader as well as my friends Justin and Hawley.
The 3 of us didn't expect things would turn out the way they did but we are SO happy they did! There were so many supporters, professors and students taking a stand. Marching thru the halls yelling "WALK OUT , SPEAK OUT !", watching the live performances, hearing the speakers and marching to Warren Hall to give our list of demands to the president and not to mention the march to the Civic Center: none of this could've been done without the bravery of everyone who participated. If we keep this is up there is NO way we'll be ignored and change will come. This is not over yet, oh no, this is simply the beggining. On behalf of myself, Justin, Hawley, Sean and Ms. Susan Ingram we'd like to thank you for letting your voice be heard and for helping to fight against these budget cuts. You fought for students, teachers and professors ALL over California, not just yourself! Keep it up!

Tiffany Bledsoe