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by Erin L. Scholnick, CSM, Political Science Before I leave the College of San Mateo in December, I want you all to know that I am proud and honored to be considered a colleague of yours. This is especially true after these past few months when a dedicated group of Part Time Faculty members has met at least once a month to discuss how we can improve our lives as adjuncts, and how we help the full time faculty understand our precarious existence. We solidified our commitment to education and together we know we can enhance the learning and life experiences of our students. I am also happy to announce at this time that the Part Time Faculty Group voted at our last meeting on November 6, and we are now officially the “Part Time Faculty Committee” of the AFT. We did not make this decision lightly. We discussed this opportunity many times during the past 4 or 5 months. Our first intentions as a group were to have a say during the current contract negotiations. But, as you all know, there are many other issues that are facing us these days which also need our point of view. And after attending AFT meetings and familiarizing ourselves with our representatives and the officers of the Union, we feel this is the best decision for all us. Our members represent the faculty at all three schools in the district and we are very comfortable with one another, respectful and constructive when we meet. We also have agreed to become the Northern California chapter of the nationally organized and recognized New Faculty Majority (NFM) group. You may have read about them in the Chronicle of Higher Education during the past year. But, if you are not familiar with them, please take a look at their website (newfacultymajority.info.) Their goals are very similar to ours and together we can benefit from the knowledge and voices of our membership. Lastly, as many of you have noticed, we are taking action! The Candlelight Vigil on Monday November 23 was the first of many events planned to bring attention to the budget emergency that is eroding education in California. Other events include Speak-Out on Education opportunities on each campus. We also will take part in a statewide gathering of students and educators in Sacramento on March 4, 2010 and a statewide walkout across all levels of education planned for March 17, 2010. If you wish to become more involved in the movement to save education, please consider joining our district-wide committee and get vocal! Contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Do not hesitate to write or call you state officials, they are your voice in Sacramento. And, please consider letter writing campaigns in your classrooms and homes. You can write our officials or newspapers, including the SF Chronicle, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, San Jose Mercury and others! Make this a student-centered exercise. Their futures and ours, are at stake!
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