Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1527898
to feel enough support from the collective that they feel com- fortable to express their needs and wants. It's hard work, but it's worth it." Sí, Se Puede While some of the terminology may be mod- ern , th e i deas of w orker empowerm ent and collective power have long guided our inspiring struggles. Legendary organizer Dolores Huer- ta's rallying cr y of "sí, se puede" (yes, we can) embodies the spirit of collective empowerment, where the union is inseparable from the work- ers. Huerta has always taught of the importance of grassroots organizing, where workers take ownership of their union and use it as a vehicle to express their collective power. Along with César Chávez, Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, Huerta led the United Farm Workers (UFW), empowering some of society's most essential yet undervalued workers and helping them see how much they were capable of accomplishing together. Chávez also emphasized the impor- tance of unity and solidarity, recognizing that the strength of the union comes from the workers' active involvement and shared commitment. He believed that when workers understood that they were the union, they would be more motivated to engage in organizing efforts, strikes and boycotts, all of which were crucial in the UFW 's fight for better working conditions and rights for farmworkers. Kilburn says this plays out today in schools throughout Clovis — just a short ride north from the fields of Delano where Huerta, Chávez, Itliong and Vera Cruz helped build a movement. She says it makes a huge difference for members when they feel connected to each other and commit- ted to shared goals in a real way. The power of struggle to unite is real. "O ur m emb ers fe el h eard an d kn ow th at they're part of the solution. ey're excited they can come together and fight for what's best for workers and students," Kilburn says. "It also builds faith in your organization. Our school psychologists have their first contract with a grievance process — it resonates with our members so much because none of our other members have that option and so it makes it real for us." "We're really big on 'We are CUEA.' You don't go to CUEA or call them. It's not a service or entity." —Michelle Nickell-Ramos, Covina Unified Education Association leader CNTA's PAC Committee held a Postcard Party in early September to kick off their local election campaign; more than 50 volunteers took part. Continued from Page 36 38 cta.org Feature Michelle Nickell-Ramos