We're in the 2nd day of the Chicago Public School Teachers Strike. Some exciting developments have been going on over here at ChiIL Mama press wise. I was tapped to write a 1,000 word op-ed piece for CNN and also did a phone interview for Turner! I'll know if the on line piece is picked up in the near future and will be able to run the first 150 words here with a link then.
Since the teachers are being vilified in so many media outlets, I'm elated to be able to give voice to the teachers' side. We'll continue to run updates on great, creative strike camp options and unbiased links for strike updates on our Facebook Page here.
Help Locally (straight from the teachers' mouths)
Hello Friends and Family-
As many of you know, the Chicago Teachers is on strike- today is our second day, and we all hope it is over soon and we can get back in the classroom so we can do what we love to do.
In solidarity, the union is asking us to ask you to WEAR RED tomorrow (WEDNESDAY). Even if you live out-of-state, please wear red and talk to your friends and co-workers about our struggle for a fair contract. Hopefully we can put an end to the bullying and anti-student tactics of Rahm Emanuel soon. In my opinion, he is behaving in a manner similar to Scott Walker, the Tea Party governor of Wisconsin. Many of their teachers were down at the rally supporting us yesterday, as their bargaining rights have been completely wiped out.
So please, WEAR RED ON WEDNESDAY, and encourage those around you to wear red in support of the Chicago teachers.
Secondly, if you live in Chicago (and even if you don't), I am asking you to CALL THE MAYOR'S OFFICE and ask him to give the teachers what remaining concessions they are asking for in order to get the contract signed and the kids back in school.
Here's how to do it:
1. call 311
2. ask for the mayor's office
3. Tell the nice lady who answers that you are a CPS parent, (or a voting taxpayer) and you want to leave a message for the mayor regarding the teacher's strike.
4. You want the mayor to make concessions and give the teachers the few things they are asking for that have not been resolved so the students can go back to the classroom TOMORROW!
We need to put as much pressure as possible on the mayor now so we can get back to work tomorrow.
Thank you so much for your support, and please, PLEASE distribute this email to all of your friends and family.
Paula
Petition from MoveOn.org
Sunday night, the Chicago Teachers Union announced the first Chicago teacher's strike in almost 25 years. They are fighting against school privatization, closures, and stagnant wages.
Ninety-eight of our Chicago schools don't have playgrounds, and 160 schools don't have libraries at all. Forty percent of our schools do not have full time art and music programs, and the entire system is desperately lacking support staff, including counselors and school nurses.
The chronic lack of investment in schools is bad for teachers—but it's devastating for our children.
Sign the petition at SignOn.org to the Chicago Teachers Union which says:
I stand with the Chicago Teachers Union in their fight against school privatization, closures, and stagnant wages.
Planned Public Marches
Solidarity rallies every day at 125 S. Clark starting at 6 AM and at 3:30 PM! Be there! #faircontractnow
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