Ongoing Sit In Needs You To Make

[Vernadette Gonzalez]

Please spread the word: Save Our Schools Hawaii needs folks to show up all day to demonstrate our commitment (5th floor capitol building) to resolving the Furlough Friday (and also the public education mess). The organization has managed to keep a continual vigil going at the governor's office since 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7. So far, she's a no-show. We're committed to being there over the weekend, and into the approach of the deadline for the Rainy Day fund legislation/solution. 

Here's what we need people for:

1. Show up at the 4 p.m. press conference today at Governor Lingle's office (5th floor, capitol building).  Lingle called us a "small group" but we represent the 170,000 students whose educations have been ruthlessly victimized by her determination to balance the budget. We need folks to show up for the press: numbers will really help. Bring as many people as you can, with signs, etc. There is paid parking underneath the capitol (bring lots of quarters): to get there: from Vineyard, turn makai on Punchbowl and take the 2nd right (a driveway called Miller street, which leads you to an underground parking structure directly under the Capitol. Park in marked stalls, enter the basement entrance, take the elevators up).

2. Looks like we're also going to keep this occupation going at least one more night. 2 people have volunteered to sleep over tonight (Friday) but we are looking for more. Any takers must be at Governor's office by 4:30 (pay for your parking until 6 pm, then it is free until 6 am). Bring toothbrush, comfy clothes, sleeping bag, and cellphone/lap top or a good book. No bathroom access after 4:30 p.m. so a big bladder helps, or willingness to pee in an adult diaper behind a desk/with a blanket screen. This is commitment, folks! You will most likely emerge at 6 a.m.-8 a.m. the next day, to be greeted by our Saturday morning shift (see #3). To sign up for this, email me or go to our group facebook site and post on the wall: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=164621803289&ref=ts

3. Starting Saturday morning to Monday morning, we'll be holding a 24 hour vigil at the Governor's mansion, and need folks to sign up for shifts, including wee hours of the morning. Go to our facebook site and indicate your name and shift time on our wall. Or you can email (include your phone so we can confirm). 

Let's do this folks! Enough is enough! Spread the word on to your facebook communities and other lists.

Vernadette Gonzalez on behalf of

Save Our Schools Hawaii