1) Why Tuesday, June 23rd?
Tuesday mid-day (over lunch hour) is an ideal time for a rally (legislators travel Mondays and Fridays). This year, as opposed to take our kids out of school, we thought we’d aim for (what is for many) the first week of summer break, when kids are off but legislators are in session.
2) How do we get there? Do I need a hotel room? Where is Sacramento?
For those not within easy driving distance, a low-cost option for both transportation and lodging are RV's. (See Rally toolkit for more info.)
In addition, for those traveling into town Sunday or Monday, we’ve started a fun tradition of tent-camping or RV-camping at a friend's farm in Cool, California (about a half hour from Sacramento). Contact us directly for more information if you wish to join us!
In addition, for the intrepid parental field trip organizer (working in concert with your school), there are bonded companies like Laidlaw and Southwind who rent schoolbuses at just over $300 for five hours (which may carry anywhere from 50-70 children--capacities and prices vary).
3) Can we take our children to visit their legislators? How is that done?
Click on "Kid Legislator Visits" to find your legislators. Soliciting a personal meeting is done by letter, the essential content being: "Dear Assemblyperson, We are a family/group of families living in your district who are very concerned about inadequate public education funding in California. We will be in Sacramento June 23 for the California Children’s Rally and wish to make an appointment. . . "
More questions or concerns, write Quynh, our kid legislator visit expert mom, at: qnqn@sbcglobal.net
4) What about the California PTA?
The California PTA is an excellent organization (which many of us are members of) who we urge you to visit at capta.org. This is simply a different KIND of rally--specifically designed to be fun for children, involving group participation. Think of this as less "instead of"a PTA rally than just another appetizer on your rally "menu."
5) Finally, in 20 words or less, why?
"Democracy has to be born anew every generation, and
education is its midwife"- John Dewey.
