Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge

August 2-3, 2011

Abolishing Collective Bargaining

Stripping Workers' Rights

Anti-Labor Legislation

How in the world

did we get HERE?

And what can our

UNION do about it?

FIRST they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist.

THEN they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Trade Unionist.

THEN they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

THEN they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me.

Martin Niemoller

German Theologian

The Rally definitely had a different vibe this year.  Fifty members from 21 school districts gathered again at Ruttger's Lodge to explore several challenging questions:

1)  Where does MSEA fit in the larger labor picture?

2)  What is our role in the current labor and legislative struggles? 

3)  More importantly, how can we make a difference in our own communities?

4)  Should we even try?

Most were in agreement that MSEA members need to be more active, more vocal and more visible.  And above all - more relevant to our members.

Coalition building is more important than ever, and can help accomplish those goals.  Identifying common interests among our members and other community organizations is a vital first step.  Then the work really begins as these coalitions learn and grow and try to promote positive changes in the lives of our members and our communities.