GRATITUDE CHALLENGE: DAY 4: today I will talk about the intersection of unionism and social justice activism and how that link has driven me since i was 13 years old! 1). I am thankful for having grown up in a small farming town, Arvin (CA), that allowed me, this little white boy. to work in the vineyards and fields with the migrant farm workers that lead to my introduction to the the United Farm Workers Union (UFWU), ultimately to the leadership of cesar chavez and dolores huerta...i was able to run around the field and weigh grape boxes and enjoy the sun, as most of U know I continue to do to this day, while all the workers were sweating and working hard to earn the money that would provide for their families. this is a broad overview of that time, but this coupled with the social justice activism that i was exposed to by the Jesuits who lead Loyola Marymount University, where I earned my BA, ultimately lead me on the path I am on today. 2). Skip forward to my return to public education teaching in 2005-2006 and that is where the social justice warrior U all know to be me began to emerge. As a new, but not young teacher, i was exposed to the FUDTA presidency of Jeffery Poe, who challenged me to do more than be just a classroom teacher and he sent me to my first CTA conference, Good Teaching North in January of 2006; this is where i first met Guy DeRosa, Eric Heins, Marc Sternberger, and Rhem Bell. These men showed me what it was to train and educate others about safe classrooms for all kids, while also focusing on my peers in CTA. This was an amazing run-up to my introduction to social justice activism on a national level, but i need to take the time here to thank these gentlemen for their guidance to me and service to all. FOR THIS I AM TRULY THANKFUL!! 3). After my exposure to another CTA conference that spring, Equity and Civil Rights in Newport Beach, I realized i had a calling to do more, which is when an all call for trainers came from the National Education Association (NEA) for trainers in their fledgling LGBTQ Safety and Issues Cadre. I applied and was invited to attend a training in DC, led by Guy and others. The training was amazing, I was certified to be a trainer and have been doing important work in this vein ever since. I have been invited to join the Social Justice training group by Ginny Phelps and Dr. Patricia Wright, who also invited me to the join the Cultural Competence group in 2012...Through all this NEA work I have had the tremendous pleasure of working with the most knowledgeable, caring mentor and leader, Paul Sathrum, while also working with support staff Cassandra Glymph, Shannon and Robin (forgetting last names) and others who have made my work smooth, with materials always sent to wherever i need them...All of these folks have had tremendous influence on me and continue to drive the work that I do as a teacher, union leader, and social justice advocate-warrior. finally, in this vein, i want to acknowledge what i think is going to be an amzing period of growth for NEA and push back to those who would charterize our schools, make test scores a part of teacher evaluation, and eliminate collective bargaining! Lilly Eskelson-GArcia, Becky Whitaker (sp), and Princess R. Moss, i look forward to you leading us forward and making us stronger than ever. To those of you have read this entire level of thankfulness, thank you. Today I offer the 5 day gratitude challenge to:Jeffery Poe, Eric Heins, and Marc Sternberger. Everyone have a great day, thanks again...cb
Posted on: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 14:33:32 +0000
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