Friday, March 30, 4:30pm - UFT Chapter Elections: Advice for Candidates

Friday, March 30, 4:30pm

Even if you are a current CL and Delegate – join with others who have had it with Unity and want to take back the union one school at a time.

I know a lot of people focus on the big tent UFT elections which will take place in 2013. As someone who has been deeply involved in the past 3 elections I will make the claim that the upcoming school level elections for chapter leader and delegate(s) are way more significant.

This is where Unity Caucus not only consolidates its control over the Delegate Assembly but also assures that information from the opposition will never reach the overwhelming majority of teachers but locking down the mailboxes.

Even when there are schools with opposition chapter leaders, Unity sends in the district reps to make sure all teachers in the system get Unity lit. (An illegal act by the way in the use of union employees).

The chapter leader job (which I did for 3 years with great enthusiasm) is a big one. To do it right requires some skill. I learned a lot on the job. Now some people working with the State of the Union groups are organizing events for those interested in running this spring for CL or delegate (a much lighter requirement --- attend a DA once a month and report back). This group intends to be a support group for CLs in organizing their chapters by sharing successes and failures

Here is the announcement -- come even if you are a current CL and Delegate. Join with others who have had it with Unity and want to take back the union one school at a time.

Thinking about running for chapter leader or delegate (or know someone who is) but need help with your campaign?

Not sure what building a strong chapter would entail?

Friday, March 30, 4:30pm – Happy Hour – Discuss the ins and outs of a successful campaign for Chapter Leader and of building a stronger chapter. 

Shades of Green Pub - 125 East 15th Street

4/5/6/N/R/Q to Union Square 

Feeling Demoralized?
A strong union chapter can counter demoralization


In this year’s annual MetLife Survey of the American Teacher, teacher satisfaction has hit a 20-year low point. Teachers nationally are feeling more demoralized than ever, and New York City is no exception.

 
Building strong union chapters in our schools is one of the best ways to counter this demoralization. Through an organized, active chapter teachers are empowered to work together with colleagues to fight for positive working conditions for ourselves and learning conditions for our students.

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I'm not making this meeting as other working groups of the State of the Union are meeting on the West Side at the Skylight Diner (34th St and 9th Ave) at 4:30 to work on a variety of issues. I'm interested in questions of how to build a caucus with a democratic structure -- the nuts and bolts.