Teachers Saving Children^® Inc. of Ohio

We have seen healthy growth and interest in TSC. This past year we had a total of 89 members. Many others have written and expressed an interest in TSC. Our presence and visibility throughout the state of Ohio is increasing. There have been several opportunities for speaking engagements, press releases, and media coverage. There has also been the opportunity to work with Life Issues Caucus on the OEA RA floor to try to bring debate and change regarding the pro-abortion stand of the NEA/OEA.

In a recent news article, Mike Billirakis, vice president of OEA, was quoted regarding the abortion stand of the NEA. "Billirakis defended the position of the 2.1 million member NEA and the OEA, which has more than 110,000 members. 'We are not pro or against abortion, but we absolutely believe the woman has a right to choose,' he says. . . . 'These (RA) delegates are elected by members of more than 200 local associations,' he says. 'They're the voice of the members.' Billirakis says the opinion of Teachers Saving Children^® is not the majority opinion among OEA and NEA members."

Yet all the evidence proves that the NEA is very much in support of abortion. In talking with teachers from around the state, I find that there are many who feel that the delegates do NOT represent them at the RA conventions, and who are very disturbed by the NEA's pro-abortion stand.

Beliefs are not worth much if we are not willing to live (or die) by them. We are not out to cause controversy but we will not hide from it if the situation demands it. The purpose of involvement is not to destroy the NEA, but to help teachers regain a voice in making changes. As we continue to persist, we will see great progress in the effort to move the NEA into an abortion-free posture. We believe that what we're requesting is more than reasonable by anyone's standards - and achievable.

Now is the time for action. Now is the time to do our part of what must be done. The impact we will have is dependent upon the number of people we represent. Now is the time for all of you who agree with our purpose to join TSC and help us in the battle for the lives of the unborn.

Note: The news article referred to in "From the Executive Director" is entitled "Freedom of Choice Act Stirring Debate" and was on page 43 in the Cuyahoga Falls News-Press, July 11, 1993 issue.

Although the abortion issue did not surface directly on the floor during debate this year, both Teachers Saving Children^® and Educators for Life Caucus members were present and active. Educators for Life had a booth at the convention. Even though New Business Item 1992 F passed last year and became a part of the 1993 Standing Rules, the booth was again censored as to the materials it could display and sell. The two items censored were the Precious Feet pins and the plastic model of a 12 week fetus. TSC members and supporters twice demonstrated in front of the convention center.

Three other significant events took place during the convention. First, the delegates voted to "invite the American Federation of Teachers and/or other labor organizations to enter into discussions with NEA regarding the possible establishment of a unified organization." Secondly, Hillary Rodham Clinton was one of 12 individuals or organizations who received a NEA Human and Civil Rights Award. The First Lady received the Mary Hatwood Futrell Award for her advocacy for women's rights and the significant impact her advocacy has had on education. Finally, President Clinton addressed the convention on Monday, July 5th with a 45 minute address.

The ultimate ruling body of the Ohio Education Association is the Representative Assembly made up of approximately 1200 delegates who meet twice a year. There are also nine District Associations which have regional assemblies. Representatives to the District and OEA Representative Assemblies are usually elected in the fall (Check your local association's Constitution & Bylaws for local election details). The number of representatives that are allowed to represent your local at the regional assemblies are determined by regional Bylaws. However at the OEA level, there is a ratio of one delegate and one alternate for each 50 active members of fraction thereof from each local association.

Many local associations are not represented at these representative assemblies - sometimes just because there is no one willing to be a delegate. Yet it is so important for each local to be represented and that the "voice of the members" be heard. Elections must be held no later than October 10 of each year. Check with your local president if you are interested in being considered as a representative either to your regional assembly and/or to the OEA Representative Assembly.