Step 1: Learn about Coalition, Budget Crisis 

About Students for California's Future coalition

• Founded in Spring 2008, the coalition represents 3.2 million students at all California Community Colleges, California State University and University of California campuses.
• To learn more, visit About sections of website.

The Budget Crisis and Cuts to Education

• State is facing a multi-billion dollar deficit as reported by state agencies, newspapers and public officials.
• K-12, CCCs, CSUs, UCs have been cut billions of dollars already!
• Cuts to education mean larger class sizes for K-12, increased costs, less course offerings and longer times to graduate at colleges and universities.

Step 2: Organize

Talk with Peers, Teachers and Others

Talk with your friends and family, explain the budget crisis, describe the expected cuts to education and the impact it will have on students, families and society.

Create a Calendar

Organize a Meeting of Peers, Teachers and Others

Organize a meeting on campus with fellow students, teachers and others.

• Identify a Campus Coordinator (most likely you!).
• Send an email to info@studentsforcalifornia.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let us know you are taking the lead.
• Build a team of people who are energetic, committed and willing to work hard.
• Schedule a time to meet somewhere convenient.

Create a Spreadsheet

Create a Spreadsheet with the names, emails and phone numbers of people who are interested, want to stay informed and eager to get involved.

• Identify a Spreadsheet Coordinator.
• Create a Spreadsheet.
• Update the spreadsheet regularly.

Get Maps of Campus and Local area

A map of your campus and local area will be useful in finding a place to flyer, table, rally and march.

Step 3: Ideas for Action

Rally

Find a Location on/near campus where you and others can speak freely, assemble and demonstrate. Normally, a good place to rally is the campus quad-like area because its outdoors, a lot of people are walking by and it's normally considered a safe, open space.

March and Rally

Find a Location on/near campus where you and others can speak freely, assemble and demonstrate. Normally, a good place to rally is the campus quad-like area because its outdoors, a lot of people are walking by and it's normally considered a safe, open space.

Determine a march route.

Call Blitz

Organize a call blitz to your State Assemblymember, State Senator and Governor!

• Have the telephone numbers of the elected officials' Capitol and District Offices ready to share!
• Share Talking Points with those ready and willing to call.
• Use Our Who Represents My Campus? online tool.

Fax Blitz

Organize a fax blitz to your State Assemblymember, State Senator and Governor!

• Have the fax numbers of the elected officials' Capitol and District Office.
• Prepare a cover sheet and letter to fax to your elected officials' offices.
• View our 2011-2012 California State Legislators Database.

Meet with Your Legislator or Legislative Staff

Meeting with your legislator or legislative staff is a prime opportunity to personally and directly express your thoughts and concerns.

• Contact the elected officials' Capitol or District Office and ask to schedule a meeting with the legislator or staff person to share your concern about the budget crisis, cuts to education and impact it will have on you.
• Arrive to the meeting on time, dress appropriately for an office environment and with prepared notes.

Deliver Public Comment at Governing Board Meeting

Each segment of public higher education is governed by a board: California Community College Board of Governors, California State University Board of Trustees and University of California Board of Regents.

The boards meet every two months and there is an opportunity for a member of the public to comment during the "Public Comment" item on the agenda.

• Contact the Board's Secretary prior to the meeting and let them know you would like to speak during Public Comment.
• Arrive to the meeting on time, dress appropriately for a business environment and with prepared notes.

Testify during Assembly/Senate Committee Hearing

Both the State Assembly and State Senate conduct their work in committees. Committee hearings are open to the public and members of the public are able to testify, but at the discretion of the committee chair.

For a list of upcoming commitee hearing dates, check out Today's Events or Daily Files.

• Contact the Committee Consultant prior to the hearing and let them know you would like to testify for/against a particular bill.
• Arrive to the meeting on time, dress appropriately for a business environment and with prepared notes.

Step 4: Spread the Word!

Make Flyers, Posters and Banners for the Action(s)

• Identify a Poster Coordinator.
• Visit your Student Life or Student Activities office and ask if you can use butcher paper, paint and markers to make posters and banners.

• Ideas for RallyPosters: "We Need Education", "No Student is Silent Today!", "Education Now!", "Remember the Kids!"

Call/Email your Address Book

Deliver a Speech about the Action(s)

• Write a Speech. Download the Kit.
• Practice Speech.
• Ask your teacher, professor, club advisor and local community organization leaders if you can deliver a speech about the upcoming action(s) that you are taking, leading or helping plan.

Chant Before and During the Rally

Think of chants to shout during the rally/march.

• Identify a Chant Coordinator.
• Invite and confirm school band members to pound the drums and blow the horns.
• Use the chants to fire up the crowds before and during the march and rally.
• Carry a bottle of water and drink as needed.

Schedule a Press Conference and Invite Media

Schedule a Press Conference before/during/after the event that includes students, parents, educators, local community, business and goverment leaders.

This will help amplify your message by having it reach people who read/watch newspaper or television.

• Identify a Press Conference Coordinator.
• Invite and confirm a student, parent and local leader to speak.
• Write a Press Release. Download the Kit, edit the press release as needed and email/fax to campus and local media.