National Day of Action: Have your voices heard
WE NEED YOUR STUDENT DEBT TESTIMONIALS!
In the lead-up to the National Day of Action on February 1st, we are calling out to students for both written and video testimonials about student debt to use for our Drop Debt campaign.
If you submit either a written or video testimonial you will be entered in our draw. First prize is your second semester tuition, and second prize is a Blackberry Torch with a three-month contract. The draw will occur at the February 1st Day of Action demonstration in the courtyard at 11:45 am (prize winners must be in attendance to obtain their prize).
Written testimonials may remain anonymous and can be submitted to pres@busu.ca by Thursday, January 26th. Video testimonials can be taken in the BUSU office or at the BUSU table in the mingling area throughout the next week.
DROP DEBT FEB 1st
The last Day of Action that occurred at Brandon University and across Canada was in 2007. This year, we will have another National Day of Action where all 89 members locals of the Canadian Federation of Students will mobilize to pressure the government to address pressing issues such student debt, institutional funding, and the rising cost of tuition fees across the country. At Brandon University, our cornerstone issue will be student debt. Just recently, student debt in Canada has once again exceeded the legislated limit of 15 billion dollars, and every day the total student-loan debt increases by over one million dollars.
Over the past couple of weeks, BUSU members have been around campus talking to students about the National Day of Action and the effect student debt has on our generation. In the mingling area you can see the debt meter we have started on campus, now tracking close to $500,000 and the debt wall with several individuals’ student debt being displayed collectively.
Additionally, over the past couple of weeks, we have been circulating Student Debt Invoices so that on February 1st we can fax-bomb the invoices to the federal Minister of Finance. This will send a clear message to the government that student debt is a national issue and should be a priority for a sustainable economy. Education is a right! If you are interested in filling one out, stop by the BUSU office!
On February 1st, we will be calling on students and concerned citizens to demand immediate action to address the unsustainable levels of debt which past and present students have been forced to accrue due to the high cost of post-secondary education. By mobilizing on campus, students, faculty, and administration can work together to achieve our collective vision for a high-quality, public post-secondary education system which is financially accessible to anyone regardless of economic background, and which works to build a fair and equitable society in Canada.
On February 1st there will be a demonstration in the courtyard at 11:45 am where members of the campus community, faculty, and students will speak about the importance of an accessible post-secondary education system and the impacts of student debt. Following the demonstration we will be having a Kraft Dinner cookout in SUDS.
If you are concerned about missing class for the demonstration, the Brandon University Senate has approved February 1st for Academic Amnesty. This means that the University and professors support your attending the event, and you cannot be penalized for missing class to attend the event. The National Day of Action is a priority for the university, students, and professors, and will help shape the future of our education in Brandon, Manitoba, and Canada.
Lastly, we are also always looking for students who want to help volunteer for the event or help organize. If you are interested please send us an e-mail, Facebook message, or stop by the BUSU Office.
We hope to see you all out on February 1st! Drop debt!
