Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1541528
From top: Banner art is projected onto the wall and traced onto fabric; David Solnit (in green shirt) leads a discussion on messaging; printed patches that will be cut and painted. of building community from the ground up, to build our muscle with our students, parents, community and allies to fight for our schools." He notes that at the UTR art build, members' children and friends, representatives from partners Richmond Progressive Alliance and Reimagining Richmond and students from UC Berke- ley's Labor Center were busy painting and helping with tools and gear. " We are in the fight of our lives for public education, [so] the love and sup- port from everyone are very meaning ful," says Ortiz of the community connections. "e art we make allows us to go to major events, such as town halls, school board meetings and other actions, and rep- resent both educators and community — showing we are one! " Pa r t i c i p a n t s a t t h e U T R a r t b u i l d in clud ed m emb ers of lo cal s from up and dow n th e st at e, includin g W hit - tier Elementary and West Sacramento teachers associations and a big contin- gent from Bay Area locals. They came to learn how to make impactful visuals as well as to assist. "As part of the East Bay Coalition for Student Success [comprised of 18 CTA locals, including UTR], we support each other," said Celia Medina-Owens, Pitts- burg Education Association president. U n i t e d E d u c a t o r s S a n Fr a n c i s c o President Cassondra Curiel said simply, "Solidarity is a verb." "With teachers so closely connected to their communities, they are a significant force to fight back against authoritarianism. Teachers really do save the world." —Artist and organizer David Solnit 32 cta.org Feature