Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1208082
to Huerta, her work as a founder of United Farm Workers, and her life- long fight for justice. "Dolores is such an empowering person. She brings out the best in people," says Greenfield, who first worked with Huerta on the grape boycott in New York City in the late 1960s. "She's an example of someone who speaks out against injustice and organizes people to do something about it." Students will also get an introduction to the concept of solidarity and how to work together to support each other and improve our communities. Stroot says a recent discussion in her classroom about Huerta and her life inspired her students, with one third grader remarking, "I didn't know anyone could be an activist!" "In these times, it's really important to spotlight Dolores, because it shows that when you see a prob- lem, you work together to fix it," says Stroot. "A big piece of the curriculum is: How can you put Dolores' teachings into action?" Greenfield said it's crucial for students to learn a simple truth about accomplishing any goal: Our power as individuals is limited, but our potential is boundless when we work together. This was true in the struggles of the past, and today's challenges continue to show that unity and dedication power our ongoing fight for justice. " 'Sí se puede' is a commitment that we will not stop until we make a difference," Greenfield says. "We need to do it together, keep struggling, and never give up." Huerta and CTA are longtime partners in fighting for the schools our students deserve and the resources our communities need. From working side by side to pass school fund- ing propositions 30 and 55 to advocating for landmark charter school accountability laws to knocking on doors to collect signatures to qualify the Schools and Com- munities First initiative, Huerta and CTA are making a difference for all California students. The labor leader even joined educa- tors on the picket lines last year in Los Angeles and Oakland to support their historic strikes. "I'm very proud to be in the same space as CTA and the great work that teachers are doing. To be able to stand with teachers is a great honor," says Huerta, who started her career as a teacher in Stockton. "Teachers are the foundation of our democracy and the soul of our nation. We've got to give teachers the respect they deserve and the resources they need." Another component of this project is garnering local support for Dolores Huerta Day curriculum by asking school boards to adopt a resolution recognizing the day and commit to teach about the life and struggles of Huerta as a powerful force for social justice and empow- erment for all. Miranda-Pinkney recruited CTA members across the state to present to their local school boards and ask for their support in honoring the American hero. Educators from across the state developed the curriculum to celebrate and teach about Dolores Huerta's life and the struggle. The lifelong civil rights leader and organizer, shown during the 1965 Delano Grape Strike, has dedicated her life to empowering people to fight for change. Harvey Richards Media Archive "I want students to get a sense of their own empowerment and the things they can do to make the world a better place." —Dolores Huerta 18 cta.org Spotlight C M Y CM MY CY CMY K