Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1539593
First day of school on Aug. 14; courtesy UTLA. Bringing the Joy Our Union and You Toward the back of this issue is "Union Strong!" (page 44), where you can learn more about our union and how every member has a voice. You are one of 310,000 California educators who belong to more than 1,000 local chapters. Get involved and make your voice heard! And meet CTA's leadership, including the board member representing your district. A M I D T H I S F A L L ' S jam-packed work and life calen- dars, we have a heavy heart as many of our students, families and communities continue to be under siege. Our stories in this issue lay out the impacts of the recently passed federal budget bill and how it hurts our schools and families while benefiting the rich (page 30), and how California's GOP congressional repre- sentatives betrayed their constituents — and lied to our faces — when they voted for the draconian budget cuts (page 24). But union educators know how to find and bring joy, and take positive, effective actions to counter fear, chaos and injustice — and we chronicle this as well. Take a look at "Educators Defend Our Immigrant Communities" (page 14) for a few examples at how our members are fighting back and fighting forward to ensure students and communities are protected. From joyfully welcom- ing all students to schools and partnering with allies to support and educate communities, to building safety demands for families into bargaining platforms and setting up food drives and other essential services, edu- cators are all in. at's a good thing, because taking action is required on all fronts. "Home Again: Creating Safe Spaces for Students" (page 21) is not only about defending immi- grant families, as critical as that is. Equally important is working to prevent school closures that harm students and neighborhoods, and understanding that educators must be in solidarity with their communities to be successful. Also, our battle to ensure stable funding for public education — in a state with the fourth largest economy in the world — means that we must be vigilant with district budget processes and push to extend vital Proposition 55 fund- ing (see cta.org/Prop55Extension). Look no further than Sac City Teachers Association to understand why strategically taking action — while maintaining educator joy and love for community — has resulted in a powerful movement that is a model for the nation. "Organizing to Win" (page 34) documents a decade-long effort by SCTA to build a unified, active membership; forge strong bonds with community; and win what its members deserve. The work that you do, the values you hold, the joy that you bring every day in the face of grim realities — are incomparable. ank you. Katharine Fong E D I T O R I N C H I E F editor@cta.org UNION STRONG! 6 cta.org E D I T O R ' S N O T E