From: Susan Ohanian <susano@gmavt.net>
As a small answer to Pete's question about the Cesar Chavez conference,
I found the Kings/Tulare Uniserv presentation by Phillip Brown and Marla
Reyes, CTA, to be very smart and effective.
Take a look at their website:
www.EliminateNCLB.org
Kings/Tulare takes a smart position. They are not battling against NEA.
They are respondings to the needs of teachers. As Marla explained, "CTA
went out to talk about the governor's agenda for schools and teachers
kept asking, "Yes, but what are you doing about NCLB?"
And so theKings/Tulare Uniserv launched a postcard campaign, with
teachers, parents, and other concerned citizens sending 10,000 cards.
The one to Reg Weaver, NEA President, has the banner: NCLB IS ABSOLUTELY
CONTRARY TO THE NEA MISSION. The mission statement is on one side of the
cart. The other side expresses great concern about NCLB and calls on
Weaver to "lead NEA in a committed effort to eliminate NCLB!"
Marla pointed out that it took the taskforce eight weeks to pound out
the message on this postcard, and they have not heard from one person
attacking this message. The postcard messages ends with "EVERY child
deserves to be whole." In Marla's words, "This is what our members
want. The members push our organization."
I would add that the Kings/Tulare Uniserv is an early partner of my own
group Educator Roundtable
www.educatorroundtable.org
And as you have heard, California union locals are joining us. The
Oakland Teachers Association are in. We have heard about others but I am
reluctant to name them until it is official and their names are up on
our site. This is an exciting development. I am confident it will
snowball across the country. This is not anti-unit. It is, as Marla
said, following the lead of teacher concerns.
On a personal note, Marla mentioned, "All of our taskforce members have
read /Why Is Corporate America Bashing Our Public Schools?/ I think it
is critical, not that leaders read my book, but that they understand the
corporate agenda underlying the NCLB legislation. We really have to get
out of the habit of calling this "conservative" legislation when, in
fact, it is corporate, fully embraced by both political parties.
Phillip pointed out that in organizing we need to realize it takes only
15% to move the agenda. "Electronics is a tool. You move it with your
heart." He emphasized our power as individuals. He emphasized "Don't be
negative" and "Keep it simple."
On April 14, from 9 to noon, there will be a demonstration outside the
Moscone Center in San Francisco, where the National School Boards
Association is holding their annual meeting. Everyone is urged to come,
carrying some sort of NCLB protest banner or sign. If you want an End
NCLB button to wear, I have them. $1 each or ten for $5. Send me your
address and I'll get them out quickly.
For more information, write
<mailto:EliminateNCLB%40aol.com>EliminateNCLB@aol.com
This is an opportunity to show thousands of school board members your
dissatisfaction with NCLB. F.W. de Klerk will be the general session
speaker. We need thousands out there.
Susan