by Gary Day

As we reach the half-way point of the school year it is a good time to reflect on what type of union member each of us is.  NYSUT President Emeritus Tom Hobart always stated that there is more to being a good union member than paying your dues and either complaining or encouraging from the sidelines.  Hobart annually asked the membership 3 questions:

1. Have you contributed to Vote/Cope during this school year?
2. Have you voted in all general elections as well as the school board elections?
3. Have you volunteered for at least 1 hour for the local during this school year?

If you answered YES to all 3 questions that’s great!  Keep up the good work!  If you answered NO to any of the questions there is still plenty of time to improve during this school year.  Consider trying some of the following: sign up for payroll deduction for Vote/Cope; vote in the school board election on May 20th; cast your ballot during the February 5th presidential primary; help out during the budget / board election mailing committee; act as an election chairperson in your building; be part of the MTA water stop at the Classic 10K race; become part of you building’s SIT; place your name on the ballot for a union position in the MTA elections this May.