Teachers Saving Children^® Inc. of Ohio

I am a teacher and have been "accused" of being an idealist. I believe that I have the power to make the world a better place by helping students realize that each one is unique and has something to contribute that make his/her life important.

At the same time that I am an idealist, I am enough of a realist to see wisdom in the old adage that says "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar". It is our human nature to respond positively to kindness and understanding, and to respond negatively to anger and confrontation. This is why I often choose not to argue my point of view on an important issue, but rather to give "food for thought" through example.

It is this combination of beliefs that has led me to become a member of Teachers Saving Children^® as a personal response to the divisive issue of abortion and the official stand the NEA and OEA have taken in support of it. I am realistic in that I value and appreciate the strength that membership in the NEA, OEA, and my local association provides for us in the teaching profession. If this were not the case, I would not be serving as local president. However, I am also idealistic in that I insist that my opinion, especially when it goes counter to the official stand of my professional organizations and especially in regard to a moral issue, deserves to be heard, respected and seriously considered.

What the NEA and OEA have labeled "reproductive freedom" is in reality a pro-abortion policy. For those of us who believe every child has the right to be born, having our professional organizations and dues monies support the opposite view presents a moral crisis. Personally, I am moved to speak out my objection (therefore, this letter), and seek out the many others who also object but are hesitant to try to "beat city hall", or fear being derided for not taking the "politically correct" stance (consequently, my membership in Teachers Saving Children^®).

It is this member's respectful request that our professional organizations become abortion-neutral; in other words, responsive and responsible to those of us who are not the most visible or vocal among our membership , yet have a right to be recognized and listened to. Or am I being too idealistic?

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, 1994 NEA will be sending information regarding delegate allocations to the local presidents. Local delegates must be elected and the name(s) reported to the OEA office by April 10, 1994.

State Delegate Allocations: At-large delegates are chosen by the membership representing the various OEA units. At-large delegates receive partial funding from OEA. Candidacy forms are included with this newsletter. Filing deadline is January 30, 1994. Please consider becoming an at-large delegate to the NEA convention. If you cannot attend, please encourage other teachers who share our views to consider becoming a candidate.

Ballots plus biographical information of each candidate for at-large delegate elections will be sent to the locals in February. Ballots are due back to the OEA office by March 15, 1994. If you do not receive a biography of the candidates with your ballots, contact your local president. Results will be sent to the local presidents within three weeks of the election deadline with a notation that the results be posted in each building of the local.

If you have further questions regarding the choosing of delegates for the NEA Representative Assembly, contact Becky LeMaster at the OEA office (1-800-282-1500).

Get involved either as a candidate and/or educate yourself about the candidates and VOTE!

Although the abortion issue was not addressed at this RA, TSC noted an increased number of delegates interested in our cause. These delegates spent time getting to know one another and making preliminary plans for spring.

There is one note of concern. According to OEA information, there is the possibility of approximately 2000 delegates that could be attending the RA. Yet only 532 delegates were registered at the start of the session and 1325 delegates registered by the 10:30 AM deadline. Are you being represented at these RA sessions? Please check with your local president to find out if there were delegates from your local that attended the RA. If not, find out why. If there are no local delegates, call Becky LeMaster at the OEA office (1-800-282-1500) and find out if it is still possible for local representation in the spring. The voice of the membership must be heard and can not be heard if they are not represented!