Details for Saturday rally

Greetings everybody! Approximately two dozen people attended last night's planning meeting for this weekend's rally. We developed a schedule of events, made logistical arrangements, and assessed needs. We are aiming high - a full-scale event with speakers, music, march, and rally - the tentative schedule looks like this: 5pm - 6pm - speakers, music, rallying, noisemaking - GOP all stars such as Congressman Duffy, State Rep Rivard, and State Senator Moulton will be arriving at the Rice Lake Elk’s Club around 5:30 - we will be assembled in the parking lot of city hall - directly adjacent to the Elk’s Club! We will give them the kind of welcome they deserve. 6pm - 7pm - march up and down Main Street - our point of contact with the public - remember, we probably aren't going to change many minds among those at the Elk's club, but it remains important to make ourselves visible to the public - the politicians and people in general need to understand that resistance to the budget priorities (federal and state!) extends far beyond the boundaries of Dane County. 7pm - 8pm - while the GOP dines (dinner begins for them at 7) we will have a couple more speakers, musical interludes, and a lot of noise! This is where we go hoarse - they will be sitting in the thinly-walled dining area and we will seize our chance to be heard. Speakers will address the imapcts of legislation and excite, encourage, and embolden our resistance. We will have tables set up with information as well as a table to raise money for rice lake's sister city in Japan - Miharu. Please consider bringing a canned or boxed food item for the local food shelf as we expect a need for this kind of charity as the impact of the Governor’s budget becomes more apparent. There will be a meeting shortly before the rally to coordinate a few logistical matters. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - we will need volunteers to marshall the event, attend to information tables, distribute handouts, and serve as press contacts - please consider attending the 4pm pre-event meeting at the NUE office (16 W John st. in Rice Lake) if you would like to help in any of these capacities. Homemade signs are encouraged! There will be a sign-making party at the NUE office at 4pm on Thursday - all are welcome. Humor and creativity have lifted people's spirits throughout the past couple months, strengthening our resolve - I look forward to seeing and hearing Northwest Wisconsin's own brand signs and chants. As you can see, we are going whole-hog on this event - spread the word far and wide! Forward to interested parties and discuss among friends and coworkers. That's all for now - I look forward to seeing you on Thursday and/or Saturday. Please email me with any questions, concerns, etc. Joshua Morey PS - mark your calendars - Roger Rivard will host a budget forum on Thursday, April 21 at the UW-BC campus theater - I look forward to giving him a piece of my mind. Also, Rivard and Senator Jauch will have a budget debate on Saturday, May 6, at the UW-BC gymnasium. Finally, Governor Walker is scheduled to visit Lake Wissota during the fishing opener on Sunday, May 7 - another great opportunity! Also, if you facebook, check out the event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=175518679163813 - invite friends!