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NEA Vice President Dennis Van Roekel implored Summer "Organizing"
Academy participants to “do whatever it takes” to ensure the
election this fall of candidates who share educators’ vision for
America’s future.
“We can do this. It’s up to us,” Van Roekel said in
an animated speech that appealed to participants’ roles as leaders
and organizers. Leaders, he said, “make action” out of their
beliefs, and WEAC has a long history of having some of the most committed
and successful leaders in the nation.
Van Roekel said there are three levels of commitment:
To be successful in the 2004 elections, he said, WEAC leaders and organizers
will have to commit to the third level.
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"It’s about a vision for America ... and it’s
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The national election, he said, is defined by two very different views
of America and its future. The vision most commonly embraced by educators
is one of equality of opportunity.
“I really do believe this thing about public education and the
American dream,” Van Roekel said. “I believe in that vision.
I believe it shouldn’t make a difference where you live or how
much money your parents have.”
Others, however, see education as a commodity, like shampoo or a car,
and believe those who can afford the best one ought to get the best
one, he said.
The 2004 election, he said, is about changing the world. “And
it depends on us. It depends on what we choose to do.”
Van Roekel urged conference participants to work to get every one of
their colleagues, as well as parents and neighbors, to vote. He said
he is convinced that if 75% of the electorate voted, the issues educators
most care about would be addressed.
“It’s about a vision for America ... and it’s about
you. If you don’t like the way things are, then change them,"
he said.
“If you have a burning desire (to change things), you are in the right organization - WEAC. Do it now!”
For more information about the fall elections and recommendations, visit the Members Only site.
Posted August 6, 2004