What Do We Value?
By Camille Zombro, SDEA President and
Marc Capitelli, SDEA Vice President

Being members of a union usually implies that we share a common set
of values. When we use terms like "union brothers and sisters" we do
so purposefully, because unions are like families. Families stick
together, even when we disagree, we stand together and we work for
the good of the whole.

The struggles of the last few years makes us wonder, at times, just
what it is that we can profess are our shared values.

In doing some research at different union websites, we found lots of
values that we might share, but take a look at these and put a mental
check mark by the ones you "like". They are values listed in various
unions from Australia, to Europe, and the United States.

• A belief that one should have a say in their wages and conditions.
  
• A belief that one should have a say in decisions made at their workplace.
  
• A belief that one should have legal protection if they ever need it.
  
• A belief that one should have support throughout their career.
  
• A belief in social justice.
  
• A belief in a better quality of life for all.
  
• A belief in improving and protecting our environmental quality.
  
• A belief that no people in one country, or region, of the Union are left behind in the process of economic and social modernization.
  
• A belief that our political, economic and social policies should have inclusion as a mainstream objective.
  
• A belief that one should have representation in a variety of circumstances.
  
• A belief that one should be a part of a large professional group with whom they can share concerns and ideas.
  
• A belief that one should have access to quality professional
  development at low cost, including training from the union.
  
• A belief that one should have access to other benefits that will save them money, such as health care, retirement and member benefits.
  
• A belief in fighting for better quality preschool, primary and secondary education for children, families and education workers.
  
• A belief in unity, social justice and a fairer system for all.
  
• A belief in the collective power of joining with fellow workers.
  
• A belief it is a right to exercise that collective power for just goals.

These are a lot of core values! We need to have a way to differentiate what a value is and what might be considered merely an interest. If we choose to look at values as those beliefs that move people out of the "I" reference to the "We" reference we get close to understanding core values. When we choose to put ourselves aside to focus on the greater good we have grasped the idea.

As teachers we value, perhaps above all else, the role we play in the lives of our students. We know that social justice, a reality to some, a dream for others, must apply to all. We value fairness towards our students from a social structure that has left many children behind. We value actions that improve the collective good. When we stand with our fellow brothers and sisters in their struggles we have moved to a higher level.

NEA's vision statement lists the following as our core values -

• Equal Opportunity
  
• A Just Society
  
• Democracy
  
• Professionalism
  
• Partnership
  
• Collective Action

How do these values fit in your life? How do you think they are
represented in the work and actions taken by your union? We would be
interested to hear or read your thoughts. What would you choose for
your union's #1 Core Value? Let us know at zombro_c@sdea.net and
cap@alum.calberkeley.org. Let's begin the dialogue.