Peace out....
Bermuda Girl....
Feel the love......
Location:UMass - Amherst
Friday, August 3, 2012
The New York State Nurses Association is headed to Philly on August 11. Will we see you there?
http://workersstandforamerica.com/index.htm
http://workersstandforamerica.com/index.htm
Back at work today. I thought that I would be completely wiped out, but I am still on a Summer School high. A night sleeping in my own bed really helped, too. Maybe some of you are also feeling the way I am today. I feel renewed and am looking at the "same old, same old" with new eyes.
I want to thank all of you, my sisters, for a truly life-changing experience. As a child and through my teens, I was extremely shy and guarded. I always had my head in a book. What happened, right? Sometimes when I get in new situations, I go back to that persona. Somehow, that did not happen at Summer School. I'm convinced that has something to do with the excellent programming done by the staff, and to the way we worked together toward the goal of celebrating and affirming our solidarity.
In the last Mother Jones leadership session on Thursday, Anneta pointed out that union membership levels in the 1930's were similar to what they are now; labor went through a period of intense organizing around issues that were critical to workers and the overall political and capitalist climate. So, sisters, I think it's fair to say that this is again OUR TIME.
We have got to reach out to our youth and to the unorganized. And it's not just about work: it's about overall dignity and respect for all of us, every human being. We want a better world. That takes constant work. So, we need to take advantage of opportunities like Summer School, coalition building and activism to feed our minds and our souls and to help us stay on the course.
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| The Mother Jones Leadership Workshop
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Thursday, August 2, 2012
Our Strong Sisters Domestic Workers United
Meet our Domestic Workers who are United Jennifer,Doriel and Gricelda
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What a night!
Labor
History Night started with Sister Bev’s music and Sister’s Donna’s slide show
as backgrounds to stories of our sister’s victories and earlier struggles. I
came away feeling that I haven’t been doing enough in helping with worker’s
rights, in particular with my sisters who are struggling now.
Black and
white visuals of factory floors with sewing machines and women lined up like
robotic dolls, farmworkers hunched over
harvesting for others, immigrant mothers with children with no smiles like they
had when they came over to the “land of the free”, and picket lines while
frozen through reflects just how far we have come.
An emotional
tribute to Soujourn Truth started us off. Half her life was in bondage and the
second half as “free” woman but her freedom was not gained without much sacrifice. What followed were other powerful woman’s
voices whose lives were entrenched in a fight for respect and rights.
I loved how
the song lyrics, underground railroad, which
side are you on, Bread and Roses, sticking
to the union gave the voices strength as their stories were read. The horrific line “hearing the bodies drop
with a thud” gave me a sick feeling in my stomach as the story of the Triangle
Shirtwaist Fire in New York City was read
Simply an
absolutely, empowering yet emotionally charged evening.
Thanks
Sisters Bev, Donna and all of the volunteer sisters who read!
Luv and peace,
Wendy
Meet Sister Patricia
Meet my sister Patricia. We definitely have some common bonds and are passionate about our commitment to our many causes.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Thatcher Way,Amherst,United States
Pay it Forward
Sara, Celeste and Brittany .....what a symbol of paying it forward. I have always felt extremely supported by Sara and I have made bonds with my little Sister Brittany and have plans to be a support system for her. We are a circle of sisterhood.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
We were there
So many stories,so much history right here in our mists. We have so much strength together if we could just embrace each other and not allow petty differences to interfere with our goals and bonds of sisterhood.
The history of Labor
These stories are of women and children in sweatshop labor and dire circumstances that we could not even dream about. All of these stories speak to our message of hope that we must bring back to our unions and communities. These workers fought through these conditions, died working in these conditions, lived through sexual harassment....then why can't we make a difference with an empowered and renewed movement for the working class of America and worldwide. Why do we wait for death and blood to start fighting for change. Let join each other in true solidarity! Let's start by googling NDWA and sign their petition and stand next to the Domestic Workers in their fight!
Labor History Night
Powerful heartfelt renditions of readings of Sojourner Truth, wow and we are just getting started....
Poem read by Celeste, TWU, on Women Rising
Are you willing to take a stand or will you just be a puppet on a string!
This is The Rising of the Women" not just an Amherst summer school fling.
One hundred and one brave the rain excited to see familiar faces while anticipating all the
Knowledge we would gain.
Lois Gray said "One Women can make a difference".
Take advantage of the strategies that you have learned.
Put out the ladder and give your sister her turn.
So when we leave summer school, ready to take the plight, I better call Ida Torres cause she
Definitely knows how to fight.cause whether its lawrence, and Bread and Roses or Zucotti park
And occupy Wall street. the 1 percent use their wealth and power and tell police to beat.
Sister Bermuda said "We are in a battle stand up" Domestic workers stand up!
Si se puede sisters , let's start Tonight!!!!
by Celeste Kirkland TWU Local 100
read to Summer School sisters Monday evening at Fun Night.
E s
Rai
This is The Rising of the Women" not just an Amherst summer school fling.
One hundred and one brave the rain excited to see familiar faces while anticipating all the
Knowledge we would gain.
Lois Gray said "One Women can make a difference".
Take advantage of the strategies that you have learned.
Put out the ladder and give your sister her turn.
So when we leave summer school, ready to take the plight, I better call Ida Torres cause she
Definitely knows how to fight.cause whether its lawrence, and Bread and Roses or Zucotti park
And occupy Wall street. the 1 percent use their wealth and power and tell police to beat.
Sister Bermuda said "We are in a battle stand up" Domestic workers stand up!
Si se puede sisters , let's start Tonight!!!!
by Celeste Kirkland TWU Local 100
read to Summer School sisters Monday evening at Fun Night.
E s
Rai
Alice Cook Leadership Class Picture
Fun Night and Thoughts During a Longer Lunch
I have to say that I was initially a bit suspicious about Fun Night; however, I found myself laughing harder than I had in weeks, and really feeling the cumulative effects of the smorgasborg of mind food we've had since Saturday coupled with the social release of getting a little loose (and dropping it-SNAP said Sister Kim).
Today's rambling thoughts are about getting my union sisters from NYSNA, both staff and members to come back to Summer School with me next year. And about adding a body and spirit dimension to the Summer School agenda--you know, maybe some Yoga, maybe the ability to worship or meditate on Sunday, some time in nature or quiet time. We, women, take care of everyone, our kids, husbands/wives/partners, members, parents, you name it, we take care of it. In addition to feeding our minds, we need to take care of our bodies and spirits--
So, let's add in some wellness time together the next time we occupy. :) Yeah?
I want to share the A poem that was writing by catherine lefebure , at fun night dedicated to our most lovable and outstanding leader and mentor Kim Guillory.
A lady of class Who gives a air no Kiss Ass but a lady of Sass
Vibrant as rainbows after summer showers glow Truth you Behold
Radiant as RAWicked bite like a saw Tooth , nail and claw
Flo that gives a show for all to see, a bright glowTied with a strong tight Bow.
I asked Catherine about her type of writing her answer:
This form of poetry is called Haiku. Haiku is a japanese form that has a total amount of 17 sylables. These sylables are broken up into 3 lines consisting of 5 7 5. Each line typically starts a single though and finishes that same thought.
Dancing on fun night
Look at my sisters getting their party on! Wobble on Sisters then get some practice Bermuda style!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
So here we are...a "FREE" night! I am so thankful. It gives me a chance to step away and reflect on what I have seen, what I have heard, what I have felt, and what I have learned.
I had no expectations because I honestly didn't know what to expect! I have been surprised at every turn. I drove 6 hours to get here and all the while wondering what it would be like and feeling a little overwhelmed and intimidated. I don't feel that way anymore. I have never felt so welcome by a group of people in my life. There are no walls and no boundries' We are all accepted. No matter our profession, union, religion, etc. We all matter and we all make a difference.
I have seen friendships be born right before my eyes. I have heard intimate details of lives that were painful, but shared anyways....making me know that I am not alone. I have felt, above all else, equality and acceptance. And there isn't enough space here to tell you what I have learned over the last few days....I have brain overload! But that is why I came here. To learn about things that I could take back to my fellow sisters in my area. And you know... the classes are wonderful but the most valuable things that I have learned here were not from the classes. I cannot wait to go back and tell my fellow sisters that we are not alone. We are not fighting this fight by ourselves. There are women from all walks of life that feel and think the way that we do. That want a better world for our children. That want better working conditions. That want equal wages to mens. That want the sexual harrassment to stop. That want our employers to be fair. I could go on and on, but I know you know what I am talking about.
We are powerful women, but even more powerful together! I am glad that I have had this opportunity to be a part of this. I will go back to my little world with a different outlook on life. A much better outlook...Thank you ladies....you are all amazing to me!
Midge Guererri
CSEA
I had no expectations because I honestly didn't know what to expect! I have been surprised at every turn. I drove 6 hours to get here and all the while wondering what it would be like and feeling a little overwhelmed and intimidated. I don't feel that way anymore. I have never felt so welcome by a group of people in my life. There are no walls and no boundries' We are all accepted. No matter our profession, union, religion, etc. We all matter and we all make a difference.
I have seen friendships be born right before my eyes. I have heard intimate details of lives that were painful, but shared anyways....making me know that I am not alone. I have felt, above all else, equality and acceptance. And there isn't enough space here to tell you what I have learned over the last few days....I have brain overload! But that is why I came here. To learn about things that I could take back to my fellow sisters in my area. And you know... the classes are wonderful but the most valuable things that I have learned here were not from the classes. I cannot wait to go back and tell my fellow sisters that we are not alone. We are not fighting this fight by ourselves. There are women from all walks of life that feel and think the way that we do. That want a better world for our children. That want better working conditions. That want equal wages to mens. That want the sexual harrassment to stop. That want our employers to be fair. I could go on and on, but I know you know what I am talking about.
We are powerful women, but even more powerful together! I am glad that I have had this opportunity to be a part of this. I will go back to my little world with a different outlook on life. A much better outlook...Thank you ladies....you are all amazing to me!
Midge Guererri
CSEA
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