The following is an essay I wrote during AB466 training. (Please do not think I was not paying attention. It was assigned as a writing exercise!)  I was encouraged by the members present to share it in the News and Views. The ratification meeting last year saddened me. This essay is based on that experience and also a belief that we can be stronger this year and fight for what is right. My only hope is that people actually read it and take action. Remember, you are a dedicated, hard-working group of professionals who have repeatedly given your time, energy, and resources to RUSD. Recognize your value and worth, and demand the same from District leadership.

Walking into the Eisenhower cafeteria I could hear the buzz of the members congregating. Their faces did not reflect excitement or anticipation. Instead there were plaintive looks and a downright irritation marring their appearance. The buzz reminded me of angry hornets, and I couldn’t help but feel the sting that was about to come.

They came to hear the results of our negotiations with the District and the forthcoming news was less than spectacular to say the least. I suspected many had already heard the whisperings of the offer. Our team had not endorsed it, yet bargaining rules prevented us from trashing it completely.

Since we had not come to any tentative agreement with the District, it was up to the members to decide whether to accept the offer or not. I felt as if we had lost already before the vote was even taken. Although we had close to 1500 members, the number present was well below that. The District counted on this apathy and was betting against us. Many would gladly accept the 2% offer and go about their life, happy with the pittance. Others would be furious and start yelling "strike" and "walk-out", scaring the fence sitters in a direction we did not want them to go.

 Fear is an interesting emotion to watch in a crowd of teachers. It spreads quickly in hushed tones and solemn nods. The word "strike" evoked this fear and many would not have the stomach for it. The vote would be split, but the direction it would tilt was of no doubt to me.

A note to members:
A strike would be a long way off and very rarely occurs. Apathy among members is an association nightmare and the District’s biggest weapon. Do not allow this to happen again. The COLA is for you and you must demand your fair share of it. Every time you accept less, you are sending a message that you are not worth consideration and the District should not bother to make you a priority. The money is there, and you deserve it!