When Hawaii public schools choose to implement school furloughs on Fridays, as a member of the public I was pretty angry. I wanted to protest somehow but did not know what to do. I came across Hawaii Education Matters and learned that they were doing a rally at the State Capitol to protest the furloughs. I was able to meet HEM's organizers, members and volunteers. Everyone was working together collectively to get their voice heard. It was a great experience for me to be with concerned parents who were making themselves heard through peaceful protest. I have kept in touch with HEM through their website, following their activities after the rally.