Teachers Saving Children® Inc. - National
Newsletter
Volume 5, Number 2
December 1994
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Two years ago, dramatic changes within our government brought about a turning point in national politics. The NEA was a vital force behind those changes. However, Election Day 1994 brought about another significant change across America. The American people stated a resounding no vote to the liberal agenda of the past 2 years. Pro-family leaders agree that this victory was the result of grassroots activism all across America. This election was also good news for pro-lifers. The results proved that being "pro-life" is a winning issue.
I believe that these election results prove that when individuals get involved at the grassroots level, change can take place. Abraham Lincoln once said, "It is a sin to remain silent when it is your duty to speak up." And the American people have spoken.
According to NEA NOW, the NEA newsletter for Association Leaders, the election results were not encouraging. NEA leadership is already beginning to lay out the groundwork needed for the next battles that are closer than we all realize.
As a pro-life teacher I am extremely offended that an organization which is supposedly dedicated to the welfare and education of children would willingly and knowingly participate in the slaughter of the innocent. As we work for change within the NEA, we in no way attack the NEA union at large or its membership. Our goal is to make our feelings known to the leadership of the NEA and its state affiliates. Change takes time and comes - sometimes in small steps and sometimes in sweeping motions.
One may ask why join TSC if one is not a member of NEA or AFT. First of all, remember that even if you do not belong to the NEA or the AFT, these national unions represent the teachers of America. Secondly, we are all in this battle together. TSC represents all teachers who agree with our purpose. As more and more teachers get involved, however or wherever they feel most comfortable, change takes place at all levels of the association.
When grassroots activism occurred across America this fall, the results brought change. When grassroots activism occurs among the teachers of America, the results will be change. As we focus our thoughts on the miracle of Christmas, may we also remember the lives of the unborn children who may never live to celebrate life. Let's join together today so that all children will be able to celebrate life.
Although the abortion issue was not addressed at this RA, several positive things were noted. There was a conservative candidate in each of the election races. There are also an increased number of delegates who are interested in our cause and with whom preliminary plans on strategy for the Spring OEA RA were discussed.
There are two notes of concern. First of all, there were numerous references made by OEA Leadership about their concern over the "Far Right". As charged by the OEA President and the Executive Committee, the OEA Human and Civil Rights Commission "collect(s) information on Far Right groups and their activities in Ohio's schools and...make(s) recommendations for strategies school employees can use to combat the negative impact of such activities." Again this year delegates were asked to fill out a questionnaire on the "Far Right".
Secondly, according to OEA information, there is the possibility of approximately 2000 delegates who could be attending the RA. Yet only 515 delegates were registered at the start of the session and 1354 delegates registered by the 10:30 AM deadline.
Are you being represented at your state RA sessions? Please check with your local president to find out if there were delegates from your local who attended the RA. If not, find out why. If there were no representatives, then this might be an opportunity for you to get involved.
The voice of the membership must be heard but can not be heard if they are not represented!
All policies of the NEA are adopted by the delegates to the annual Representative Assembly. These delegates are selected by their colleagues in the local and state affiliates to represent their views in the deliberation of the assembly. However, often the policies adopted do not represent the majority of the teaching profession. We all can get involved by becoming delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly or by voting for those who represent our philosophy.
Local Delegate Allocations: Local associations can send delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly. There can be 1 delegate per 150 members or major fraction thereof with expenses paid for by the local. Locals with fewer than 75 members can cluster with other locals. By February 15, 1995, NEA will be sending information regarding delegate allocations to the local presidents. Local delegates must be elected and the name(s) reported to the state affiliate offices by April 10, 1995.
State Delegate Allocations: Delegates are also allocated to state affiliates. Details can be received from your state affiliate office. Watch for deadlines!
Please consider becoming either a local or state delegate to the NEA convention. If you cannot attend, please encourage other teachers who share our views to consider becoming a delegate.
Get involved either as a candidate and/or educate yourself about the candidates and VOTE!
Every organization has a core group who is well-informed and usually very involved. Often members feel intimidated when they feel a leader's decision is wrong, but yet they are unsure of procedure. Although through the democratic process each organization is ruled by a majority, there are usually provisions within the document to allow a small portion of the membership to express their opinion. There should also be a provision for changing the document. If a provision or answer can not be found in the Constitution & Bylaws, then generally the document will state that the organization will follow Robert's Rules of Order.
The Local Constitution & Bylaws is a very important document that will help your organization run more efficiently and effectively.
Know your rights! Know your Constitution! It will help you to become more involved, even in the smallest way.
During the 1993-94 school year, an attempt was made by the Life Issues Caucus to gain a display area at the Ohio Education Association Representative Assembly. Upon contacting the OEA offices in Columbus, we were told that, due to regulations from the fire marshal, the limit on display tables had been reached. We were told, however, that we would be placed on the waiting list, but that there hadn't been any openings in years.
As chairman of Life Issues Caucus, I called the fire marshal who told me that any such decision concerning safety would be made by the Columbus Fire Department; however, from there I was steered to the manager of the Veteran's Memorial. The manager told me that he knew of no such scenario concerning display areas.
At this time no one has taken responsibility for determining limits on available space at the representative assembly. It was interesting to note, however, that according to the October issue of Ohio Schools, a new Gay and Lesbian Caucus was being formed within the OEA. We will be monitoring developments to see how this caucus will be accommodated and will seek to take appropriate actions in response.
This newsletter is being sent to all individuals whom TSC has contacted over the past weeks. We wanted all of you to get an idea of the type of information that is shared within our newsletter. Please feel free to send news from across the nation as TSC is always looking for newsworthy items to include in the bi-monthly newsletter.
It is still possible to join with us this current membership year and still receive full benefits. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Let's all join together to let America know that the grassroots teacher loves children - even the unborn.
For those pro-life teachers and school employees who can't go to Washington DC,
it is suggested that you attend the pro-life marches or rallies being held in your own local areas.
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