(from the New Action leaflet distributed at the May 2013 UFT Delegate Assembly).
For a printable version click: Leaflet 2013 May
Post-Victory Demonstrations
UFT and CTU election results in New York City and Chicago gave landslide victories to Michael Mulgrew and Karen Lewis. Mulgrew won with nearly 86% of the vote. Lewis won with 80%. The reelected Ms. Lewis called for three days of demonstrations against 54 closing schools. Those demonstrations have been all over the news, capturing our imaginations. Our own President called for support for a MLC demonstration demanding contracts for New York City public employees.
New Action/UFT has called for actions at the school level before the end of school. In fact, we have been calling for “Days of Solidarity” to be held at schools on an ongoing basis. The extremely low turnout in our own UFT election (18% of active members voted) proves to us that our membership must be mobilized, involved and this can only be accomplished by activating the base—our rank and file. While we call for all-out support for the June 12 rally, New Action calls for regular mobilizations at our 1,700 schools. Until that happens we will continue to witness increasing demoralization and increasing detachment from seeing our union as a relevant, invigorating, active force.
New Action - UFT 
Thanks. I have two questions.
1. The percentage of “actives” who voted was 18% the NYC UFT election. What was the corresponding % in Chicago?
2. What exactly do you mean by “regular mobilizations at our 1700 schools”?
Thx.
Paul Hogan
I think that regular mobilizations at each school, every 3 months or so are very important to build union consciousness among the rank and file.
But Michael, what exactly is a “mobilization”?
I’m clear that , whatever it is, we will do it at 1,700 schools and we will do it every three months… but what is it exactly that we will do?
Thx.
Paul Hogan