Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1543424
Our Union O N T H E F A C I N G P A G E you'll find a mini-poster that is one of multiple designs created by teacher-artists and community-engaged professional art- ists as part of the We Can't Wait campaign. We Can't Wait is comprised of 32 educator locals that have joined together to coordinate their contract bargaining on common issues, and involves 80,000 educators in 32 districts serving 1 million students across California. Saying "we can't wait" any longer for the schools students deserve, locals are bargaining for improved class sizes, more resources for students, better wages and benefits, and greater stability for school communities at the same time, supporting each other as they do it. (See story on page 26, and check out wecantwait.info to learn more.) Art builds are integral to organizing, whether for WCW or other campaigns. Educators and allies including students and community come together to create meaningful visuals and messaging to use in rallies, pickets, school board meetings, strikes and other actions. Impactful visuals and powerful messaging that are rooted in local communities tell our stories, win commu- nity support, and present a unified front that fosters unbeatable solidarity. WCW has sponsored art builds with locals throughout the state, and plans for more in the coming months. They have been led by arts organizer David Solnit, who with his team created the Arts Organizing to Win toolkit at bit.ly/arttowin. In addition to showcasing poster/banner art, the kit offers tips on how to use the designs, background on WCW and organiz- ing insights from artists and union members. You can order the artwork at wecantwait.info/orderart. The mini-poster at right is by arts educator and artist Miriam Klein Stahl and can be posted in your classroom, school hallway or any public space. " Teachers need strong unions to support the work of providing our students with our best selves so they can be their best selves," says Stahl. "We envi- sion a better world and create that vision in our classrooms every day." Arts Organizing to Win We Can't Wait campaign leverages the power of art to make gains for students, educators Oakland Education Assn. art build in January Sac City Teachers Assn. art build in January. Photo: @movementphotographer Printout from the Arts Organizing to Win toolkit 52 cta.org