“YES YOU CAN! YES YOU CAN!”

Donna McDonough, delegate
Speech language pathologist, Orland #135

Delegate Donna McDonough (left) pictured with newly elected AFT President Randi Weingarten

 

“YES YOU CAN! YES YOU CAN!” At probably the most electrical moment of the national AFT convention, over 3,000 people were on their feet to encourage an emotional hospital worker who had just been fired for her interest in joining the union. Emma had been scheduled to talk about how the hospital she worked for had harassed her for demonstrating interest in the union. Just prior to our convention, Emma was fired. She went to the microphone, began to talk, burst into tears, and said, “I can’t.” Just as fast as you can jump to your feet the crowd shouted, “Yes you can!”

This was my first AFT convention. It was a jam-packed, but very organized, four days. There were many speakers – but none were boring. The outgoing AFT President Edward McElroy, and the incoming President Randi Weingarten (I got my picture taken with her!) were outstanding. Both were passionate about the continuing relevance of the union ideal. Union membership in general (not just teachers, support staff, public employees and hospital staff) has gone from over 30% of the population to under 18%. I know people who get “downsized” every day with no recourse and with none of the support that we enjoy as union employees.

The best part of the convention for me, however, was listening to each speaker talk not just “rah-rah-union” but the majority of each speech stressed that we’re not just about being a body in a job, but working toward being the best educators we can possibly be for our students. How can we do our jobs better? How can we get out the message that we want only the best for the children in our care? How can we convince legislators that WE are the educators and that we care about a quality education for each and every student who walks into our schools?

There were so many other moments I’ll never forget. This year is the 40th anniversary of the Special Olympics, which began in Chicago. A young figure skater, Angie, who happens to have Down’s Syndrome, talked about how focused she has been on skating even when her family was told she’d never have the “muscle tone.” As a Speech-Language Pathologist I loved hearing Angie’s courage as she tackled giving a speech to the auditorium. Angie was good, Emma was touching. Ed McElroy and Randi Weingarten were inspiring, but for me the highlight was meeting (well, from about 100 feet away) Hilary Clinton. With no obvious script, she talked about how the economy is negatively affecting teachers in poor areas; about the need for health care for all our children; and about the drain of the continuing war. She was warm and appreciative of what educators do and have done in the past. Way cool.

There were so many amendments proposed and voted on that my head was spinning. Robert’s Rules got a workout. But in the end there was a feeling of gratitude for the people who worked to put together a union that is respected and worth respect. How lucky am I to be part of a community where the response to a child with Down’s Syndrome, or a fired hospital housekeeper is “Yes you can!”