Solidarity is key against budget cuts
Ryan Villarreal
Issue date: 10/29/09 Last update: 10/29/09 at 2:44 AM PST
Section: News
When everyone reconvened, the list of actions was presented with two options: either there would be one day in which all schools would participate as they saw fit, or a vote would be held on each item on the list to decide a single action in which every school could participate.
Not everyone agreed that these should be the only two options, and it was proposed that an option to prioritize three of the actions be added, which the facilitators agreed could be voted upon as an addition to the first option, checking for general consensus by asking the crowd and seeing if there was any major resistance.
It was also suggested that people be allowed to argue in favor or against a particular option, which the facilitators also agreed to--again, by general consensus. The majority seemed to approve of both decisions with collective nodding, clapping or affirmative statements.
Two speakers each, in favor and against, were allowed to approach the microphones, and were picked based upon whoever came up first. Those in favor of the first option saw it better not to dictate what others should do and thus allow more people to participate, whereas those in favor of the second option felt that disciplined action would yield a stronger impact.
A vote was then held by having people stand in their seats to be counted. The first option passed by an overwhelming majority.
A second vote was held to decide whether or not to prioritize three actions for schools to participate in on the "Day of Action" with another debate of both options, which presented roughly the same views. The decision to prioritize was voted down.
The list of possible dates for the "Day of Action" ranged from late November to May, 2010 and numbered no more than 10. People were allowed to come up and speak in favor of a particular date, and a vote was held for each one. March 4 was chosen.
"We're here having this conversation because it's going to give us a chance to do something together in a democratic way," explained Cal student and facilitator Blanca Misse. "I know this is tedious, but it's the only way to do it--through discussion."
There are plans for a second conference to be held in February to provide a forum to discuss specific tactics on the "Day of Action."
Not everyone agreed that these should be the only two options, and it was proposed that an option to prioritize three of the actions be added, which the facilitators agreed could be voted upon as an addition to the first option, checking for general consensus by asking the crowd and seeing if there was any major resistance.
It was also suggested that people be allowed to argue in favor or against a particular option, which the facilitators also agreed to--again, by general consensus. The majority seemed to approve of both decisions with collective nodding, clapping or affirmative statements.
Two speakers each, in favor and against, were allowed to approach the microphones, and were picked based upon whoever came up first. Those in favor of the first option saw it better not to dictate what others should do and thus allow more people to participate, whereas those in favor of the second option felt that disciplined action would yield a stronger impact.
A vote was then held by having people stand in their seats to be counted. The first option passed by an overwhelming majority.
A second vote was held to decide whether or not to prioritize three actions for schools to participate in on the "Day of Action" with another debate of both options, which presented roughly the same views. The decision to prioritize was voted down.
The list of possible dates for the "Day of Action" ranged from late November to May, 2010 and numbered no more than 10. People were allowed to come up and speak in favor of a particular date, and a vote was held for each one. March 4 was chosen.
"We're here having this conversation because it's going to give us a chance to do something together in a democratic way," explained Cal student and facilitator Blanca Misse. "I know this is tedious, but it's the only way to do it--through discussion."
There are plans for a second conference to be held in February to provide a forum to discuss specific tactics on the "Day of Action."
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