Latest accomplishment: As chair of Local 1's political action
committee for the Armada district, this second-year teacher has been
a quick study. She's persuaded all past donors to the voluntary PAC
fund to renew their contribution and gotten "all but one" of the new
teachers to kick in as well.
Lillie's next goal: to involve more members in political fundraisers,
motivate more middle and high school teachers to become politically
active, and inform educators exactly where their PAC dollars go--mostly
to back local school board candidates who "support our ideals."
Aware of barriers faced by new educators, including too little funding
for supplies and too little backing from senior teachers, Lillie is
helping her UniServ director create a local-wide committee for non-tenured
teachers like herself.
"We need a support group, something that will help us to bounce ideas
around," she says. "We'd like one non-tenured rep from each district
in our local to report back to the committee on concerns."
Words of wisdom: "If you're a new teacher, become involved
in the Association any way you can. Have a say, a little input, instead
of sitting back and having no control.
"Volunteer for a fundraiser, take a step forward, learn something
new about your district. You'll meet many new people and make new
friendships. Finally, go with your heart and ignore the negative comments.
You're not there for the people who make those comments, but for the
children."
(Pam Lillie can be reached at PLil12973@aol.com)
