We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history.
Sonia Johnson
After a week of letter writing, endless emails, texting, phone calls, meetings, planning sessions and collecting signatures (on top of school work) this morning Modesto Junior College students and faculty gathered as one. The small group sat in the auditorium with a total of 30 people who waited patiently for their turn at one of the microphones placed before the Planning and Budget Board.
The emotions were high, however people were for the most part quite civil. Students plead that they be allowed to help with recommending what programs or services to be cut, teachers stated that they were sacrifice alongside the students to keep hope alive at MJC. It was the first meeting this week that felt like the voices of those most affected by the budget cuts finally got the opportunity to be heard.
The Budget and Planning Board voted whether to support the recommendations from the President's Office to the YCCD Board or not. Happily a majority against supporting the recommendations resulted from the meeting. What this means is not that the cuts aren't going to happen (because $8 million has be cut) but that the determination of a few people really can be effective.
Our focus must be on the State Capitol as this is where the orders originate. We must write to our representatives and assembly members urging them to extend the tax to help our community save their college. When you think that you alone cannot make a difference, you are wrong...determination and passion is all one needs. Have some letters to write so must sign off for now.
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