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to try and break out of the cycle of doomscrolling i've tried to think of some positive actions people working in schools in england can take. plz look out for each other. xoxo
1/ if yr not part of a union, *please* join. new members get discounted rates. anyone working in a school can join the @NEUnion (even if the website isn't v clear on this). however please check if your school has a union group, if so, join that union. strength in numbers.
2/ message your pals/colleagues to do the same. unions function better if there is active participation from the majority of its members.
3/ contact yr local branch asking what support they can offer to your school, and what action the national union will be taking. it is much easier to win if all schools in an area act together. NEU districts: https://neu.org.uk/listings/district-contacts. NASUWT regions: https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/contact-us/your-national-regional-centre.html
4/ ask if there are any model motions. unions function via motions which are voted on democratically. they are the easiest way to encourage support and action. if you are active in yr local union and have a model motion, plz share it below.
5/ talk to colleagues about how to look after vulnerable families if schools are closed. imho industrial action is vital, but if we do strike/close school buildings, we need to remember that this will have a v real knock on effect for families. we need to show them solidarity too
6/ email/tweet/call the union general secretaries. they need to know what you think. from the format of other NEU emails i'm assuming Kevin is [email protected] and Mary is [email protected] tho they've tried to keep their emails private.
7/ reach out to colleagues you know who have families. check in on them. is there support you can offer them? do they need a chat? is there support you, your other colleagues, yr slt can offer them?
8/ look after yrself. i know some pals in schools who are feeling super lonely right now, with lack of support from colleagues, slt, the unions and the govt. this is a v draining time right now and we need to look out for each other.
9/ email your mp. let them know how you feel, it doesn't need to be a long email, just tell them how you feel. you may get a bland response, but they will know from their full inboxes what the vibe is. this can be a useful website to get in touch https://www.theyworkforyou.com/
10/ email gav. he won't listen, but he need to know how you feel.
i'll add more in a bit if i think of anything. got a meeting about what our lil democratic school is gonna do & how we can keep the school shut & the community safe xoxo
