Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1543424
T H E A M A Z I N G human banner formed by United Edu- cators of San Francisco members and allies during the strike differed from other banners shot on the same beach in recent months by its message, of course. It also differed because the original photo showed vertical "roots" under the word STRIKE — representing roots to our communities, who support educators' fight to improve teaching and learning conditions, and roots that connect us to the earth and humanity. The labor movement is intrinsically connected to both earth and the people on it by advocating for safe environments, sustainable jobs and community well-be- ing. Our union is a force for dignity, social justice and economic equality, which are at the heart of educators' demands in California and beyond, and fuel our We Can't Wait campaign. Read how individual locals' actions, and specifically the strikes for our students, strengthen the WCW campaign ("A Case Study in Building Power," page 21, and the companion story, page 26). Our union's aim to gain stable funding for schools and students is driving locals' efforts to get the Prop. 5 5 p er m a n ent e xt en si on on th e b al l o t ; it a sk s al l m emb ers to join in , as we d escri b e in "Sign Here: Gathering Signatures to Qualify Prop. 55 Permanent Extension," page 16. Similarly, the benefits of community schools are borne out by research and data as well as day-to-day observa- tion in classrooms and on school campuses. Our work to grow and sustain the community schools movement in California involves more educators and leaders advo- cating for community schools, and bargaining language into local contracts to ensure a continuing process ("Put It in Writing!," page 29). Photo: Andres Amador Rooted — in Humanity Despite codifying contract language and passing laws, however, ongoing vigilance is crucial. For example, data recently obtained by our union revealed that school districts illegally diverted nearly $118 million from Twin Rivers and Natomas schools over six years ("Districts' Skim Scam Robs Students, Classrooms," page 38). And when Monterey County locals heard that a deep-pocketed and well-connected charter school network intended to open a series of schools in their area — undermining the stability and quality of educa- tion in multiple districts — they sprang into action: e CTA chapters spearheaded a coalition of parents, community members, labor allies and district administrators to fight back, defeating the charter appli- cation and avoiding harmful cuts to already-strapped school budgets ("Big Win for Public Schools and Students," page 40). In a time when schools are chronically underfunded, students are short-changed and the cost of living continues to rise astronomically, more and more educators are understanding that taking action — including going on strike — is necessary for change ("The State of California's Public Schools," a CTA report, page 12). We take action for our students and our schools, for our communities and ourselves, for earth and humanity. Our roots go deep. Katharine Fong E D I T O R I N C H I E F editor@cta.org 6 cta.org E D I T O R ' S N O T E