This first experience as a Summer Member Organizer (SMO) for Edward Walgate has helped build his recruiting confidence and up his game when it comes to helping colleagues join NCAE. He says it’s a great way for NCAE to grow its numbers and power.
“I’ve done a mixture of door knocking and phone banking and thus far have signed up two new members. All of my conversations have been positive even if they did not yield a new member. However, the educator has become more informed about NCAE’s work and educational issues.”
A member for seven years and the current president of the Chatham County Association of Educators, Edward said being an active member is the only way to build the union’s power and push back on forces that are privatizing and resegregating our schools.
“Public education matters. It is one of the pillars of our society. While not perfect, it gives everyone a chance to be a successful citizen and be an informed member of our democracy. If the Legislature continues to erode it, our society will regress.”
“Every child deserves a quality education – not just those from affluent families. Poorer students already face serious obstacles getting ahead and weakening public education will make those obstacles even greater.”
Next week concludes the Summer Member Organizing Program. Since beginning in June, SMOs have:
-
Knocked 5,631 doors
-
Made 700+ calls
-
Conducted 1,300+ conversations
-
Recruited more than 250 new members, 26 community allies, and six retired members
-
Received 492 interested/maybes to follow up on during the school year
We will provide a summary of the program in next week’s issue of In the Loop. Stay tuned!
