Posted:
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
A Message from Political Action Chair Alexander Marange
OUR Union cannot be influential if we do not vote together. This November it is more important than ever to come together as a union and vote.
It’s hard to find a union as democratic as NYSUT. However, if you don’t know the process it can seem as though your voice is not heard. Below is the endorsement process carried out by The Political Action Committee and The Board of Directors.
Generally it follows this process:
- NYSUT distributes questionnaires to candidates from National Unions (NEA/AFT)
- NYSUT screens candidates
- NYSUT invites candidates in to meet with Political Action Committee and Board of Directors
- NYSUT holds a conference to discuss what The Political Action Committee and Board think of the candidates
- NYSUT meets with representatives from the locals to discuss the candidates
- NYSUT discusses each candidate and take votes from the local representatives
- The Board of Directors make their final decision based on votes from the local representatives.
In the BTA we have delegates who go to these conferences. As of now those individuals are our President and Vice President.
This process is truly democratic because our representatives have a voice.
These politicians are aware of their constituents and how powerful a NYSUT endorsement can be. If we don’t vote together THEY DON’T LISTEN.
The process is not the same year to year, election to election. Sometimes we choose not to endorse at all. So when an endorsement of a candidate is given, it is really earned.
As an aside: guess what pays for all of these meetings and conferences? VOTE COPE! This stuff is expensive and these funds help us influence the political arena. Please make sure to contribute to Vote COPE this fall! More information to follow.