Maybe We Just Need a Union Too

Gwen Samuel thinks that as parents, we need to organize to collectively bargain for the future of our kids.  Rather than take away the power of teachers unions, she suggests that parents form their own powerful organization to represent the interests of their children. The 2010 Mom Congress delegate from Connecticut, who led an effort that attempted to institute a parent trigger law in her state, plans to officially launch The Connecticut Parents Union in March.

Although Samuel said the group will be in place to ensure that parents’ voices are heard just as loudly as those of teachers, she stresses that the organization is far from anti-teacher.  In fact, the union's first campaign will be called “Parents Support Effective Teachers.”

“’Parents are going to have to mobilize,’ Samuel said. ‘They are going to have to understand their rights, just knowing what they need to know to ensure our children's success. They need to understand the serious education crisis the state is in.’”

I love to see someone notice a need and take action.

Would you join a parents’ union?  Is this something you think would be an effect advocacy tool in your state?

Kathryn Thompson is a mom to two school-aged kids, a toddler, and a deceased betta fish. She can also be found at The Parenting Post, DaringYoungMom.com and occasionally the gym.

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