we need to act as a group

Dear Members,

This is the first official time I am asking the Union to take collective action. On Thursday, May 28th, I will be speaking in front of School Committee about climate and safety. As a Union, you need to be there. Both School Committee and Administration believe that it is the minority who are dissatisfied with the climate of the town. They continue to deny us our rights as a Union. The only way this will change is if we take a stand.

The singular truth is this, Administration fears us as a collective body. If we act together, they have no other option other than to listen. As a body of 700 people, we will not be marginalized and ignored.

Here are a few steps that need to be taken. Any ONE of these actions will serve the greater good, so please do something. Administration preys on our apathy. Let's end that now.

First, come to the School Committee meeting on Thursday, May 28th. Simply be a presence, or rather, a force to be reckoned with...

Second, mass email the School Committee to request a copy of Dr. Salim's contract. Just like ours, it is a public document. If everyone does this, they can't single out the individual. (I will provide more information shortly). Complaining in the hallways simply does not work. Taking collective action sends a message of unification.

Third, at your school, organize a committee to draft a letter sharing your thoughts about the climate of your building. This can take whatever form you want. Your building representative can contact me to help conceptualize each letter. Mail these to every School Committee and Town Council member, the Mayor and every Administrator. If it is written on behalf of the school, they can't single out the individual. With proper notification, these can be read at School Committee meetings.

ADAMS SCHOOL has already done this! Thank you to everyone at Adams.

Finally, consider a "Vote of No Confidence" against Dr. Salim. A Vote of No Confidence is exactly what it implies, that we, as a Union do not have faith that Administration is acting in the best interests of the students or educators. After you read this email, and the confidentiality agreement, please take the next ten minutes to Google "Vote of No Confidence." To explain this in an email, it would take on the length of a Masters Thesis. (Again, I will provide more information shortly).

I want to thank everyone for their support. My first year as President has been extremely challenging. The Union needs you and I need you.

If anyone knows me, they know I like the following things: surfing, Harry Potter, food, and my cat (This is a reference to the Snow Day Ratification, if you were not there, it will not make sense). If you can indulge me, please continue reading. If not, I will not be offended. Instead, Google "Vote of No Confidence."

This quote is taken from the "Order of the Pheonix" as Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood were talking about a sense of isolation. Think of this in terms of Administration.

Luna Lovegood: ...But I suppose that’s how he (Administration) wants you to feel.
Harry Potter: What do you mean?
Luna Lovegood: Well if I were You-Know-Who, (Administration), I’d want you to feel cut off from everyone else. Because if it’s just you alone you’re not as much of a threat.

We need to be a threat.

Regards,
Ydana Chella,
WEA President