Visiting MI capitol on Tuesday...need suggestions

[TruthTeller]

Last edited Sun Dec 9, 2012, 02:10 PM - Edit history (1)

I will be visiting our Capitol on Tuesday. I am representing on two fronts: RTW and Education Bill on the move. Please suggest signs, songs, talking points, and other needs.

I have always appreciated the people in this group. You have educated and inspired me in the last five years. I have been a DU visitor/member since Sept. 12, 2001. I have been to WI to protest with MEA and have always been a strong supporter of organized labor. I tell people that I know I am the reincarnation of people who were in the early labor movement and the civil rights movement. I am well versed on ALEC, major players in Ed "reform", and very politically active.

Here is what is happening in Lansing:
1. RTW legislation being concurred in Legislature and possibly signed by Governor on Tuesday. Labor Unions and friends of Labor will be descending on the Capitol.

2. Education Achievement Authority "EAA" (HB 6004/SB 1358) and the Parent Trigger Bill (SB 620) in the next couple days. (EAA = select schools, statewide school district, taxpayer dollars to nonpublic schools and unlimited cyber-schools)

Help Needed:1. Any great signs for rally
2. Song ideas for the rally
3. Ideas of things to bring to a rally
4. "Elevator Messages" for Legislators
5. Any other inspiration or thoughts

I usually complete my own research (former school librarian) so asking for support is not an easy task. I need to prepare my lesson plans for my release day on Tuesday and create back up plans for Wednesday--just in case.

Thank you DU. You have been the greatest asset to my life since 2001!

[bif]

1. How about: "Right to work for less".

[TruthTeller]

3. yes...I have the easy ones...looking

for more creative ones.

Thank you for your suggestion!

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. I have a t-shirt that says

I SUPPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT FOR SALE

It speaks to privatization more than the right to bargain, but we all know that privatization is the next step.

I also really like this:

UNITED WE STAND
DIVIDED WE BEG

[TruthTeller]

4. oh yes...with the EAA bills

it is privatization. Our legislators are calling parents and citizens "special interest groups." I email mine all the time and call them on my way to work at least once a week. They are using choice as their mantra for all of it.

Our parent communities are waking up. They are organizing at the grassroots level, yet the corporate interests are leading the charge with the legislators ans governors. Two weeks ago, I went to an Intermediate School Board meeting (a bridge between local districts and the state) and almost stood up and clapped because the the President stated what DU Education group has been saying for 5 years. Last week, she started going around talking to parents in Oakland County and she brought up ALEC, DFER, K-12.com, and Arne D. I wanted to say "told you so" but school boards, PTAs and other education leaders in Michigan bought into the meme "the unions and employees" are the problem.

BTW, the current EAA manager selected by our governor is the man who I believe you warned us about a year ago. He is from your area and is now making a large salary.

Thanks for your help and support!

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. Covington?

He's made Broad proud.

[TruthTeller]

7. yes, I think that is him. nt

[erinlough]

6. See you there!

I promised myself when I retired from teaching that I was not going to get involved again, but this is just to important not to. I don't have any ideas for you, but I'll be monitoring this thread to get some. At least, if I get arrested, it will be an experience I haven't had yet! I'll be coming with a lot of other old lady, ex teachers. Should be interesting!

[TruthTeller]

8. thank you...

I have 17 yrs. left. I will fight every day until I retire! My students and the future are too important to me to give up.

So far some ideas....
Printed lyrics to union songs to pass out--not sure which ones
Snack bars for energy
my school bell to ring
small water bottles
dressing warmly
recording device
cell phone and charger

Still looking for...
a creative sign or signs with humor (I alway carry a few in my car such as: the United States is a Union)
I liked the ones from Wisconsin especially the Dr. Seuss rhyme; one I saw on FB "You know things are bad when the Librarians start to march" (or something like that); and a recent one about making grandma mad.

I am having trouble with my Internet access so I am unable to access a lot a places right now.

See you there!

[roody]

9. Thanks for being there!

[HiPointDem]

10. how did it go?

[erinlough]

11. Very uplifting although we did not prevail :(

It was great to be with my brothers and sisters of Labor. It was entirely peaceful as far as I was concerned.

[HiPointDem]

12. +1 thanks for being there.