Calling all future Occupiers of the Department of Education!

Occupy the DOE will meet on the steps of the Department of Education to remind the public that 1% that crashed our economy, have have also hijacked and systematically destroyed our public schools through mayoral control. We will also remind the DOE, chancellor, and mayor, that we will no longer standby while resources are bled out of our schools and the right for all students to receive a quality, equal, and fair education are stripped away. Our voices, no longer silent, will continue to be heard in the fight to take back control of our schools.

When: 4:30 - 7:00

Where: New York City Department of Education (Tweed)

52 Chambers St.

NYC, NY

(look for the Occupy the DOE banner in case we are not on

the steps!)

This call is for educators to gather as part of the more massive demo and march together.

This event was planned for a long time.  The breakup at Zuccotti Park will only fuel this. But we have had many of these before - see May 12. Usually people demonstrate, feel good about it and go home. That has certainly been the  mantra of the UFT, which is strongly supporting this event: Demonstrate and go home.

So what makes this different? I'm focused on the growth of the Occupy DOE movement which has sprung out of OWS and has started meeting every Sunday in the Wall Street Ave in an indoor public space. (I wonder how long before the Bloomberg thugs work on the people who own that space to get them to put restrictions? Well, there are lots of public spaces and resourceful people will find a way.)

I don't think change can come until masses of teachers are activated as organizers in their schools and school communities. Activated in the context of building a democratic movement where people have a say in making policy, not only at the educational policy level but within their own union.  I wonder, do you think the UFT leadership really wants to see a growing number of people who look at how the 1% make decisions for the 99% generally in this country and increasingly in education policy (Arne Gives Gates a Contract to Microsoft - Surprise, Surprise), put the lens on how policy is made in their own union?

Here is the full announcement:

You are cordially invited to join Occupy the Department of Education in afternoon of mass demonstrations in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement...
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When: 4:30 - 7:00

Where: New York City Department of Education

52 Chamber St.

NYC, NY

(look for the Occupy the DOE banner in case we are not on

the steps!)

Why:
Even though the mayor and the other 1% think that they can break the movement of the 99% by clearing Zucotti Park, this Thursday we, the 99% will show them that they ARE WRONG!


As scheduled, Nov. 17th will be a full day of non-violent mass demonstrations throughout the city to celebrate Occupy Wall Street's two month anniversary, and the birth of a movement that has inspired people locally and globally.


In honor of the occasion we will be gathering again on the steps of the Department of Education to celebrate our growing movement to reclaim our democracy and rights, while continuing our fight for economic and social justice.


Occupy the DOE will meet on the steps of the Department of Education to remind the public that 1% that crashed our economy, have have also hijacked and systematically destroyed our public schools through mayoral control. We will also remind the DOE, chancellor, and mayor, that we will no longer standby while resources are bled out of our schools and the right for all students to receive a quality, equal, and fair education are stripped away. Our voices, no longer silent, will continue to be heard in the fight to take back control of our schools.


We will celebrate this historic day through sign making, speak outs, teach ins, and a march across the Brooklyn bridge. This will be a family friendly event, with activities for children. Feel free to bring cupcakes, art supplies, and a whole lotta noise!


A better future on the horizon and we celebrate it this Thursday. Why? Because we are unstoppable and another future is possible!!!!!


ALSO, PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!!! Resend this email spread our Facebook event @ https://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=164709760292053!