Seven GNTA members, selected as delegates by our membership in 2014, attended the NYSUT 44th Annual Representative Assembly in Rochester from April 8-9. This yearly convention of almost 2,000 members is NYSUT’s highest policy-making body. Here's what our delegates have to say:
JOAN GREENBERG
GNTA Political Action Co-Coordinator
It was my privilege and honor to represent the Great Neck faculty at the NYSUT Representative Assembly, held in Rochester this April. It was inspirational and refreshing to be in the company of unionists committed to quality public education as well as broad social justice issues. It served as a reminder that we GNTA are members of a vibrant, diverse, interdisciplinary force that diligently protects the rights of others. This was witnessed in the passing of various resolutions that addressed the protection of children from the institutionalized child abuse of standardized tests as well as challenging the commissioner’s untimed testing agenda. In addition resolutions addressing legislative issues included the defense of collective bargaining and redoubling efforts to prevent a 2017 Constitutional Convention. On a national level, NYSUT urged all members to stand in unity against discrimination by asking all affiliates to avoid travel in North Carolina and Mississippi.
As a first-time delegate, political action co coordinator, and social worker, the convention further reinforced the importance of participation by members in the process of change. The shift in Cuomo’s message concerning public education is a direct response to the dedication and hard fought battle by union members. Our contributions to VOTE/COPE, which supplied revenue for advertisements and other lobbying efforts and our sending faxes from our NYSUT Action Center APP from our phones made a difference. This movement supporting public education demonstrates the need for all of us to be active participants in the political process. The convention motivated and kindled ideas for us to pursue. One of the easiest and most effective means to give Cuomo and our state legislatures a four letter word message is to register and VOTE. More to follow….
JOAN GREENBERG
GNTA Political Action Co-Coordinator
It was my privilege and honor to represent the Great Neck faculty at the NYSUT Representative Assembly, held in Rochester this April. It was inspirational and refreshing to be in the company of unionists committed to quality public education as well as broad social justice issues. It served as a reminder that we GNTA are members of a vibrant, diverse, interdisciplinary force that diligently protects the rights of others. This was witnessed in the passing of various resolutions that addressed the protection of children from the institutionalized child abuse of standardized tests as well as challenging the commissioner’s untimed testing agenda. In addition resolutions addressing legislative issues included the defense of collective bargaining and redoubling efforts to prevent a 2017 Constitutional Convention. On a national level, NYSUT urged all members to stand in unity against discrimination by asking all affiliates to avoid travel in North Carolina and Mississippi.
As a first-time delegate, political action co coordinator, and social worker, the convention further reinforced the importance of participation by members in the process of change. The shift in Cuomo’s message concerning public education is a direct response to the dedication and hard fought battle by union members. Our contributions to VOTE/COPE, which supplied revenue for advertisements and other lobbying efforts and our sending faxes from our NYSUT Action Center APP from our phones made a difference. This movement supporting public education demonstrates the need for all of us to be active participants in the political process. The convention motivated and kindled ideas for us to pursue. One of the easiest and most effective means to give Cuomo and our state legislatures a four letter word message is to register and VOTE. More to follow….
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