Our public school teachers are gearing up for a historic strike, and they need community members to join in the fight for quality public education for all Oakland youth. There is a lot to do to help make this strike a success as we take the national struggle for public education to our own front yard. This is a historic moment to support our teachers and our families here in Oakland! And, this battle lays the groundwork for the Schools and Community First ballot measure in 2020 which will bring Billions of dollars back to California schools and our communties.
From joining a picket line to delivering food, there are many ways to support! Learn more and sign up – and show our teachers that the community has their back.
What’s at stake:
Public education across the state and nation is under attack as cuts to teachers’ salaries and student services mount – all while funding is diverted to overly inflated administration budgets, high-priced private consultants, and privately-run charter schools. Those most caught in the crossfire are working-class families and youth of color. Currently under threat of closure are 24 public schools ALL in the flatlands of East and West Oakland.
Teachers are striking for better conditions so that they and their students can thrive. They’re asking Oakland Unified School District to:
- reduce classroom sizes so that schools can adequately support all students;
- pay teachers a living wage – Oakland teachers are the lowest paid in the area, resulting in constant turnover that harms students and our communities; and
- increase student support services for mental health services, restorative justice practices, nurses, speech therapists, counselors, and other specialists.
The strike may last a week or could go on longer. We will know after Feb 15th when it will start and must have a strong kick off the first week to put pressure on OUSD. Stand with Oakland Public-School Teachers and Students!
Oakland Rising and our collaborative partners are united in our vision for a city that embodies health, happiness, safety, and equal opportunities for all. Our goal is to create a model of progress and sustainability that showcases the possibilities for American cities in the 21st century. We are committed to dismantling the barriers of racial, economic, political, environmental, and educational inequities that have divided us, and instead, embracing the collective strength found in our city’s diversity. We firmly believe that Oakland can achieve its full potential when every resident, student, and bus rider has the ability to shape our city’s future. This vision is attainable and we are determined to realize it through our collective actions, whether it’s through voting, meetings, or call to actions.
Every year, we release a Vision, Issues, and Policy Platform (VIPP) which outlines the annual policies that we and our eight partner organizations prioritize in order to advance racial, economic, and environmental justice in the Town. Our collaborative’s agenda encompasses a range of critical initiatives, from expanding affordable housing to creating a more equitable democracy through campaign finance reforms. These priorities are designed to provide vital protections and innovative solutions for the most vulnerable members of our community. As we continue our efforts to promote these policies, we hold conversations with thousands of voters, lead and co-host impactful town hall meetings, educate and mobilize residents and voters, and undertake various other initiatives.
To gain a deeper understanding of our commitment to resist, protect, and advance in this political moment, we invite you to explore our 2023 Vision, Issues, and Policy Platform. Together, we are making strides towards a more equitable and just Oakland, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of change, one vote, one meeting, one march at a time.
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Oakland Rising is a project from our hearts for the people of Oakland. Thank you for your contribution!