How I came to be a Unity member

Sally-Ann tells her union story and how the members of Unity caucus empowered her to empower others.

It was back in March of 2005 when my chapter leader introduced me to our district rep Judy Gerowitz who handed me a black T-shirt and said we need your support in this action against city hall and Joel Klein. This was the moment that I learned the power of the UFT: unified we could create a lot of noise which would create a lot of change. Judy set me on a path towards union work that day. I became a delegate then chapter leader, eventually working full-time at the UFT.

Each step of the way I met another unionist who taught me something about our power and how to wield it on behalf of our community. This started with Judy Gerowitz — who immediately put me to work on district consultation — she taught me how to get my point across with a smile, and how to drop the hammer professionally, if and only if it was necessary. Sterling Roberson showed me why it was important to stay cutting edge in technology for our students. Debbie Poulos taught me about organizing my chapter to re-imagine our working conditions — how to create an SBO and use it to leverage administration. Ellen Gallin-Procida showed me how to write an argument for a grievance, while Mark Collins and Carl Cambria taught me how to hold the audience’s attention while making that argument. LeRoy Barr showed me how to bring a conversation or an argument full circle to the point I was trying to make. Jackie Bennett taught me how to write contract language with clear articulation and purpose. She spent hours sharing all her APPR knowledge, knowing that one day it would be my work and gave me the historical knowledge I would need to support all our members.

Why will I vote Unity in this spring’s election? I’ll vote for them because the leadership of UNITY has empowered everyone I wrote about above (and so many many more) to lead the charge. Leaders who have made a difference in the lives of NYC educators, families, working people, and communities. UFT Unity has been, is, and will continue to be the driving force that makes our schools and communities better. We stand on the shoulders of giants. It is their example, their passion, union education, historical knowledge, and experience that inspires my work for our members every day. When you vote for Unity in May you will be voting for more than one person, you are voting for the team of people that have the knowledge, experience and education to advocate for the needs of our great union members.