“If I have the belief tha I can do it,
I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it
even if I may not have it at the beginning.”
Mahatma Gandhi

We need member who believe they can “do it.” MTA elections are next month and now is the time for individuals to step forward and run for positions open within the union.

It is absolutely understandable that not everyone may feel ready to undertake the duties and responsibilities of an elected position within our union. However, that should not and can not be a barrier to stepping up and becoming involved.

The MTA stands firmly committed to enabling our members to build the necessary skills and capabilities required when assuming a new role within the union. Annually, we provide the opportunity for members to attend the NYSUT Summer Leadership Conference, and, at the beginning of each school year, we provide our own building representative training. In addition, there are numerous opportunities to try on different leadership roles through the varous committees and activities that occur during the year.

Next year will be a critical juncture for the MTA. The negotiations process will begin again in the spring and before the conclusion of the 2008-2009 school year, the union will be electing individuals to fill all four officers’ positions. Now is the time to learn more about your union and commit to acquiring the capacity to work in a collaborative manner in order to effect the changes necessary for progress.

We need members who believe they can do the job even if, at the beginning, they do not possess all of the necessary skills. A positive attitude, a willingness to work on behalf of colleagues, and a desire to assume and learn new roles and responsibilites, contributes to building the collective capacity for change.

Please give serious consideration to placing your name on the ballot for an elected position in May.

Sheila