Teachers Saving Children^® Inc. - National

July, 1996

How could an NEA delegate be "right wing" and survive? It wasn't easy, McGee! But I survived, and so did the pro-life delegates from all over the country. We survived because we met together regularly asking God to help us with our strategy in making the truth known-the truth about our dues money being spent to support abortion and other non-educational issues that are morally unacceptable to many of us. It was surprisingly easy for us this year, much easier than in years past. I do believe that people are beginning to listen to us. They seem to be more tolerant of our views and our right to express our beliefs this year for some reason. Back in 1992, we went down to defeat 100-1, but last year and this year we lost 3-1. Quite encouraging, indeed!

I must admit that a few times I was tempted to quit, but the memory of the agony of the 33 million little ones that suffered at the hands of the abortionists snapped me out of my selfishness in a hurry. I recently made up my mind that I will remain in this battle until the Lord takes me out! But we need more TSC members to become delegates.

Among the many challenging moments of this year's RA, I was allowed to speak in front of the 9000 delegates in support of (EFL Vice-Chair) Ed Weber's "Right-to-Know Amendment" to the NEA Bylaw 11. (General Finance) which would hold the NEA accountable for any and all checks written and would allow us to take a look at the type of coalitions the NEA was making.

The following is my speech:

I cannot understand why anyone would object to Amendment 7. I get the sense that many fear the scrutiny of unfriendly outsiders, and that might well be a valid concern, yet if we have nothing to hide, why should we fear it? (Especially since every honorable organization in the country allows itself to be open to both internal and external scrutiny-and most of them take pride in it.)

In view of the relentless criticism of our association that is going on in the media every day, how can we shy away from this Amendment's call to openness and accountability? Certainly, we as an organization who takes in $200 million a year in dues alone, should see this not as a threat, but as an opportunity to show our sincerity to the American people. I am convinced that, in the long run, we will be better off.

I am holding in my hand a copy of the Forbes magazine cover article that unfairly attacked us by calling us the "National Extortion Association." Now you cannot tell me that this article has not planted some fertile seeds of doubt in the minds of Americans-doubts about our integrity, (especially if we vote to keep our books closed).

I have been trying for over 3 years to track down an NEA expenditure of $50,000 that was allocated by the 1993 Representative Assembly (RA). This $50,000 was to be spent annually to support the passage of the "Freedom of Choice Act", which, by the way, allowed abortion up to the 9th month without parental consent. I have contacted NEA many times trying to get the answer to "What has happened to the $50,000 each year now that FOCA is no longer an issue? Is it being spent on other 'women's issues'? I cannot find it in the financial report. Where is it?"

No one knows...I rest my case.

EDUCATORS FOR LIFE UPDATE
Ed Weber

The 1996 National Education Association (NEA) Representative Assembly was held in Washington DC July 2 through July 5. Educators for Life Caucus was active again this year in trying to combat the NEA's pro-abortion position. The highlights of the Convention are as follows:

Bylaw Changes: The following Bylaw Change was presented as Amendment 7: "To provide that the Secretary-Treasurer shall make available to any member upon written request (for a fee) a statement of expenditures (exclusive of payroll), including check number, date of check, payee, and the amount of the check."

In the debate it was stated that this was a Right-To-Know bill because several members were unable to get answers to their questions about an on-going expense each year of over $50,000 of dues monies to promote reproductive freedom.

Amendment 7 was voted upon by secret ballot. The voting results were:

    2,105 (Yes) to open the books of the NEA to members

    5,926 (No) to keep the NEA books closed to its own members

Upon repeated requests the Budget Chairman released the following information about reproductive freedom expenditures: Every state president can send 2 members to a Reproductive Freedom Training Seminar held each Spring. Last year's training was conducted in Jupiter Beach, Florida. Thirty-two states have already participated in these training seminars. NEA members are encouraged to apply to their NEA State Affiliate president to attend this training session.

NEA Legislative Agenda: Christine Nowak, of New York, moved to delete the words "reproductive freedom without government intervention" from page 7, line 4 of the lobby program for the 1996-97 Congress. These words are listed under Section III. Constitutional, Civil, and Human Rights Protection under NEA's Second Tier. Denny Smith, of Illinois, seconded this motion.

Debate on this issue was fierce. Nowak stressed that membership dropped in 18 states last year, due in part to the pro-abortion position of the NEA. She also stressed that many teachers are opting out of the NEA and joining instead the National Association of Professional Educators (known as NAPE) or the Coalition for Independent Educators, especially in the 21 right-to-work states.

The opposition's argument was population control such as what has happened to the many children in Romania and China.

Despite the efforts by Educators for Life Caucus members, the NEA by voice vote reaffirmed their commitment to lobby for pro-abortion activities including partial birth abortions even as late as the 9th month and without parental consent.

Resolutions: The Belief Statements of the NEA: Vincent Treacy, of Florida, moved to delete the word "freedom" from Resolution I-13 to read "Reproductive Responsibility". After only one speaker for the motion, President Geiger called off debate and forced a vote. There was no motion to officially close debate. The motion failed.

A PLEA FOR DELEGATES
Ginny Burbank

We need to encourage one another to run for delegate; it is an unforgettable experience that every teacher should have at least once in his or her career. But most of all, we need delegates who believe that our dues money should not be spent to support abortion and should not be spent to support any issue that is not directly related to education. For those of you who are not that comfortable speaking before large groups, there is plenty for you to do. You do not need to speak in large forums to be highly effective as a delegate. You are primarily there to weigh the issues and to vote on the issues debated on the floor. We also need workers at the "NEA Educators for Life Caucus" booth to discuss the issues with the thousands of delegates that pass by our booth as well as to sell pro-life materials which NEA has finally approved. In 1992 the NEA closed our booth for selling those tiny baby feet lapel pins (the size of a 10 week old child in the womb). But that was all in the past. Times are changing, and people are beginning to become more educated regarding pre-natal human development.

Be encouraged; things are getting better. I met so many dear people in my state Caucus this year as a second-year delegate. These fellow teachers of mine from Massachusetts, though we don't see eye-to-eye on the abortion issue, have been very courteous and helpful in teaching me the steps I must go through in order to speak on the RA floor in front of the 9,000 delegates. Yes, they actually helped me to speak against what they believe in. They showed me this kindness because they truly believe in the democratic process which of course includes freedom of speech. Many of them expressed to me that they thought it was healthy to have a dissenting voice. Some even came to our booth and joined NEA-EFL.

Won't you please help us fight this battle? Won't you please run for NEA delegate? It's so simple. Just fill out the form that your state association sends you in November. Fill it out and send it in. If you are elected, they will send you approximately $1000 to pay your expenses. That's it! Don't make it complicated by campaigning, because if the Lord wants you to win, you'll win! The next convention will begin in late June and run into the first week in July 1997, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Editor's Note: Ed Weber is the Vice Chairman of Educators for Life...a caucus of the National Education Association. Ginny Burbank is the Secretary of Educators for Life Caucus and the UDAC National Director. "UDAC" stands for "Union Dues Accountability Committee."

Katharine J. Berdanier, Executive Director, TSC OF Pennsylvania, Inc. died Sunday, June 20, 1996, in Divine Providence Hospital, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Kathy was born August 22, 1941, in Sabinsville, PA. She was a 1959 graduate of Monroe High School, Rochester, NY. She received her bachelor's degree from Messiah College, Cumberland Co., PA, and a master's degree from Bloomsburg University. She had been employed by the Northern Tioga School District as a reading specialist for the past three years. She formerly taught in the Sullivan County School District. She is survived by her mother, two brothers, and three sisters.

The memorial service was held at her home church in Pennsdale, PA. During the message, the pastor referred to Philippians 1:21 - "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Kathy's life truly exemplified Christ. She was described as faithful, loyal, committed, and one who was always willing to give. She used her gifts to the fullest and was always willing to try new things.

Last Fall, Kathy began the application process for a Pennsylvania TSC Affiliate State Chapter. Even though she had some medical difficulties during the winter months, she was very faithful and diligent in working to get each part of the affiliation process completed.

I want to thank my God for the wonderful opportunity of getting to know Kathy as we worked closely together through the TSC affiliation process. I will always give praise to my Lord with joy and thanksgiving for her partnership in the gospel from the first day that I knew her until Christ called her home.

Although Kathy will never see the fruit of her labors here on earth, may the seeds that she planted throughout the state of Pennsylvania be multiplied with a bountiful harvest.