Teachers Saving Children® Inc. of Ohio

Newsletter
Volume 4, Number 6
August 1994

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Connie Bancroft


I am very excited about what has been happening this past year within the Ohio Chapter of TSC. Although over the past two years dramatic changes within our government have caused a turning point in national politics, there are reasons for encouragement as we look forward to the new year.

We have again seen healthy growth and interest in TSC. This past year we had a total of 125 members. Many others have written and expressed an interest in TSC. Our presence and visibility throughout the state of Ohio are increasing. TSC continues to work with other pro-life organizations. Many members are getting more involved within their local associations. The grassroots teacher is beginning to make an impact.

Whether or not you belong to the NEA, or any other professional educators' organization, they still represent you. The NEA continues to represent the profession as they promote and lobby for the issues related to abortion, school-based clinics, promotion of condoms, sex education, etc. Therefore TSC encourages all educators and school employees who are alarmed or offended by the NEA leadership's reprehensible practices to keep informed and then to express their concerns. TSC has published a new brochure entitled "Participation in Teacher Unions: Your Rights, Responsibilities, and Options". Enclosed you'll find a copy of this brochure. Whatever option you choose to express your objection to the NEA's liberal agenda, TSC encourages you to join with us in fighting this battle. Remember - they (the NEA) represent you whether you belong or not.

Therefore, now is the time for action. Now is the time to do our part of what must be done. 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.


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WHY TEACHERS SAVING CHILDREN® IS IMPORTANT TO ME!

Lana Anderson, Teacher
TSC Board of Trustees Member

Several years ago while reading a Right to Life newsletter from Guernsey County, I noticed a small paragraph describing a caring group of educators called Teachers Saving Children®. I was elated! There were other educators, indeed even Ohio educators, who were as disgruntled and unhappy with our union policies as I was. I immediately wrote for information and joined TSC.

I really believe most educators want our union to stay neutral on abortion. In fact, most teachers are shocked the NEA has taken a stand at all. This makes it extra-important that we get the word about our pro-life group to all.

TSC makes a statement for me. Joining makes me feel I am voicing my objections to policies I disapprove of and have never endorsed. It is a small voice, but with many small voices we can make a true difference. Sometimes I get totally discouraged by the vastness of our union, and how seemingly little they care about their grassroots members who neither approve nor appreciate their political stances. George Washington said, "Our cause is noble; it is the cause of mankind". Every year as I pay my TSC dues, I consider it a noble cause to benefit mankind. I am a part of a group of educators who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe. We can make a difference - every member counts. Someday, when asked what we did for mankind, we can proudly answer - "I stood up for those who had no voice".


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REVISED TSC BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE

Please help us spread the word about TSC. Contact TSC today to receive multiple copies of our revised brochure to share with your colleagues. Let's continue to recruit the troops as we work together in this battle for life.


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JUST A REMINDER: 1994-95 MEMBERSHIPS

We are currently accepting both renewal and new memberships for the 1994-95 membership year. Please note the following information about TSC membership:

TSC membership is open to all pro-life/pro-family educators and concerned citizens who agree with our purpose to establish among professional educators' organizations a respect for all human life from conception to natural death. A 1994-95 membership form is available for your use.

According to the TSC Constitution & Bylaws, the membership year is from September 1 - August 31. Annual dues are $25.00. A reduced rate of $10.00 is available for college students who are presently enrolled in a college or university undergraduate degree program. This year we are also offering a reduced rate of $10.00 to retired educators who are currently receiving retirement benefits. Contributions and memberships are NOT tax deductible.

Although memberships and contributions are accepted throughout the year, we encourage you to send in your membership by September 1. This will help the Board of Trustees to approve a budget and make important strategy decisions for the coming year.

The Ohio Chapter is affiliated with the national organization of TSC. When joining TSC of Ohio you will automatically be a member of the national organization. Please DO NOT renew or join TSC through the national office. Any monies, including contributions, sent to the national office will automatically be returned to the Ohio Chapter for processing.


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1994 NEA CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

The 1994 NEA Representative Assembly was held in New Orleans, Louisiana July 1 through July 6. Educators for Life Caucus was active again this year in trying to combat the NEA's pro-abortion stand.

First, let's review. According to an article in the Fall 1991 NEA Educators for Life Caucus "Heart-lines", a point of information was made to Keith Geiger, NEA president, at the 1991 NEA RA. He was asked to define "reproductive freedom" as it is defined in the Resolutions Committee handbook. At the time Geiger admitted publicly that the definition did include abortion.

At the 1993 OEA Spring RA, members of Life Issues Caucus asked a point of information of the OEA Resolutions Commission as to the definition of "reproductive freedom". At the time the OEA Resolutions Commission Vice-Chair stated that the definition did include "the right to an abortion".

This year at the NEA convention, as reported by Family News in Focus, President Keith Geiger hid behind the statement that "NEA does not have a position either for or against abortion" when he denied a motion by pro-life delegates who wanted the NEA to adopt a neutral position on abortion.

Again there were delegates on both sides of the issue who found that the pro-abortion stand of the NEA is a very divisive and controversial issue. Although delegates voted not to consider the neutrality proposal, members of Educators for Life Caucus have already begun making strategy plans for the 1995 NEA Convention.


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1994 OHIO PRO-LIFE CONVENTION

Mark your calendars now and plan on attending this special pro-life annual event. This year's convention will be held Saturday, October 8, 1994, at the Sheraton Inn in Canton, Ohio.

Featured speakers include Steve Benson and Chuck Asay - dueling pro-life cartoonists, and Steve Mosher - author and director of Asian Studies at the Claremont Institute.

For complete convention information, contact Ohio Right to Life at 614-241-5200.


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MAKE YOUR MARK ON OHIO

This year's November election is vital to both our state and nation. It is very important that all pro-life citizens are registered to vote. October 10, 1994 is the last day that citizens can register to vote for the November election. It is also very important for everyone to encourage family and friends both to register and to express their freedom of choice through voting. Remember - Responsible citizenship is no accident! For more information call 1-800-522-VOTE.


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NEEDED: PRO-LIFE OEA & DISTRICT DELEGATES

One way to make your voice heard when decisions are made is to serve as an OEA and/or District delegate.

The ultimate ruling body of the Ohio Education Association is the Representative Assembly made up of over 1000 delegates who meet twice a year. There are also nine District Associations that 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 to the regional assemblies is determined by regional Bylaws. However, at the OEA level there is a ratio of one delegate and one alternate for each 50 active members or fraction thereof from each local association. OEA delegates are delegates to the District RA in addition to District delegates.

Many local associations are not represented or are under-represented at these 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 delegate either to your regional assembly and/or to the OEA RA.


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MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

Whether or not you are a member of the NEA, it is important that TSC members annually communicate their concern regarding the NEA/OEA's abortion position. Communication can be done in several ways:

First, teachers can make their opinions heard each year at membership renewal time (October). Please take five minutes to write a letter to our new OEA President, Mike Billirakis (Ohio Education Association, 225 East Broad Street, PO Box 2550, Columbus OH 43216) expressing your opposition to the OEA view on abortion.

Secondly, since this is a major election year there will be a push for OEA-EPAC/NEA-PAC contributions. Last spring a suggestion came from Judy Bruns, a TSC member, regarding our response to EPAC contributions. She suggested that if each person would fill out an EPAC contribution form with a donation of 1 penny along with a written note expressing opposition to the OEA and NEA view on abortion, our voices would be heard.

Third, teachers can choose one of the options listed in our new brochure. Read the brochure carefully and then choose the option you feel would be the best one for you in making your voice heard.

To make change at the State and National levels our message which is rational and sensible must be heard. Together our message will be heard!


For more information contact: tsc-life@juno.com
©1994, 2001, 2005 Teachers Saving Children® Inc. of Ohio
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


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