Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1449741
ACE on Social Media C L O V I S E D U C A T O R S have been utilizing social media to tell their story, build support and provide updates. Campaigns have included educa- tors sharing stories about why they 're building ACE and what it will mean for Clovis students, as well as an inside look and detailed breakdown of unfair labor practice charges and PERB rulings. Their podcast The ACEPod includes in-depth discussions with ACE members about the union-orga- nizing effort and how it will benefit the CUSD community. ACE is also on TikTok, posting news and interviews to share the sights and sounds of their struggle. "Our mission in social media is two- fold: To make the case for unionization in Clovis, but to do it in a way that demonstrates that these arguments are being made by people," says ACE member Jason Roche. "ACE is your neighbor, your colleague and your child's teacher. We aren't outsiders imposing on a culture, but insiders with deep roots and a commitment to the district and the students we serve." Follow ACE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok at @cloviseducators, and visit ACE online at cloviseducators.org. School psychologists Cy Hiyane and Tamara Soemali are eager to advocate for all students with a unified union voice. Support in the Clovis community is solid and growing, as ACE spreads the word about the union and how it will ben- efit students and families. Local unions, faith leaders and district parents agree that ACE is the answer. " I w holeh ear t edly suppor t th e for - m ation of AC E . It i s imp erativ e th at educators truly have a voice when deci- sions are being made that will impact the children in their classrooms. e development of a union is the only means to ensure this," says Clovis parent Sarah Martin. "I am so excited for the Clovis educators who are spearheading this endeavor. Please know there are many of us who are cheering you on from the sidelines!" Each victory is a boost for the educators building ACE and working hard to make a difference for Clovis kids and families. Where before many of them felt alone, educators now have a supportive family — in ACE, CTA and NEA. It's an exciting realization for some. "I haven't felt this much love for what I 'm doing for Clovis in a long time," says Henderson. "I felt like I wanted to retire, and now I want to fight!" e organizing continues as the effort approaches the one-year mark. Heimerdinger says that educators are in the fight for the long haul. "We're not going away," she says. "ere's a better way for us to do things for all educators and all students." 29 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 2 2 Teresa D'addato