Our unions and schools are under attack : Join the fight to defend public education-Next GEM Meeting: Monday May 23

I know a lot of people felt good about the May 12 rally. I did too. But the real work of working for Real Reform goes on in groups that are organizing at the grassroots level. At the rally I saw some of the fruits of that organizing, meeting new and old gen activists. You see, it is not about showing up at events but getting down to work. Some of the great work all the activist groups are doing together has focused on the series of Fight Back Fridays where your school gets to organize and educate the local community. Imagine of this were happening in 1500 schools?

This Monday GEM will meet to review some of the work over the past year. The film was only part of the work - and it is pretty amazing that we did that massive project while continuing to meet every month, work with parent groups all over the city, attend most PEP meetings, build alliances with the other activist groups, etc. By the way, as of last night we had 725 reservations for the premiere. Still room for 800 with 2 days left. Don't get left out of this gala event.

Our unions and schools are under attack
Join the fight to defend public education

Bring your ideas to a meeting and a strategic discussion with the Grassroots Education Movement (GEM)

Monday May 23 4:30 p.m.
CUNY Graduate Center 34th Street and 5th Ave Room 5414
Bring Picture ID

All across the United States, from Florida to Wisconsin to California to New York, schools face severe budget cuts, teacher unions face vicious attacks, standardized testing broadens and intensifies and the privatization of our public education system continues in the name of "reform".  But groups like the Grassroots Education Movement have been organizing to fight against these attacks and for a positive vision of what education should look like.  At this meeting, we are going to take a look back at an exciting year of activism, and make plans for an even more exciting year, and we want your input.

Check out our blog at http://gemnyc.org/

Other upcoming GEM events:

May 19 The premiere of the Inconvenient Truth Behind the Waiting for Superman at Riverside Church, including special guest Diane Ravitch.  http://gemnyc.org/2011/04/19/inconvenient-truth-premiere-riverside-church-may-19th-6pm/   Due to increased demand, 200 more seats have just been added.  Make your reservation now!  https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGJXN2V2NHBnVk1GOVFVYnZfSnp4cFE6MQ

May 20 Fight Back Friday!  Organize an action at your school against the layoffs and budget cuts. http://gemnyc.org/2011/05/09/next-fight-back-friday-is-may-20th/

May 21 Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman screening at the 6th Street Community Center, 636 East 6th St. (between Ave B and C). The post screening panel will include GEM's Julie Cavanagh, Sam Anderson of Black New Yorkers for Educational Excellence, the UFT's Leo Casey and Stanley Aronowitz of the CUNY Grad Center.