> I posted the same message in the wrong spot, so here it is in the
> right spot!
> ...........................................................................

> BUILDING THE UNION BASED ON SMALL TEACHERS GROUPS!

> A union can start, as one of you dear ones said it, from small
> gatherings in each area/city.

> We each can start where we are. That's how anything starts anyway!:)

> We don't have to call it a 'Union' - specially if it is in a country
> with a totalitarian regime and Mafia gangs controlling the cities
> (like in a few of SE Asian countries).

> Instead we can call our gatherings 'Teachers Circle', 'Teacher
> Buddies', ... No matter where - we can MOVE TOWARDS THE GOAL OF
> CREATING THE "TEACHERS SIBLINGHOOD"

> The smaller groups in a city, can meet once a week, and all of them
> can meet in a big party, once a month in a nice ballroom. I am sure a
> bunch of good connections, and even future marriages will spring from
> these parties.
> The future is in our hands and in the great creator's who certainly
> wants us to care for, and to support each other more and more.

> TEACHERS GATHERING IN SMALL GROUPS:

> For example: We can gather our friend teachers from our neighborhood,
> in a coffee shop, once a week, and just enjoy chatting with each
> other. But have a rule or two for the meeting, so that it does stay
> based on love and care.
> For example we can say: 1-we are here to help and to empower the
> group (not to discourage each other). 2- We are here to enjoy our
> time and to help each other and other teachers around the globe.

> The teacher friends when gathered, normally tend to help each other
> when organized to avoid discord. Teacher, when gathered, are seen to
> be:
> A- Giving each other information. How to have a better school life.
> How to teach easily and successfully. How to make friends with your
> school's staff and management. ...

> B- Giving legal advice, or guide the person to a place where they can
> get legal advice. There are plenty of free 'Legal Aid' places, even
> in the 3rd world countries.

> C- Giving a hand, if a teacher has to leave a school, so she/he does
> not feel alone against the world!!

> D- Build a Power Group.Most 'bully Employers' are afraid of groups.
> If in fear, have the group visit each member's school during the
> break time. Soon the employers get the message that this person is
> not abusable because he/she is not "alone". (Just about all
> Orientals, think a 'lone' person is weak and easy to abuse. That's
> why it is hard to find an oriental person alone!)
> Women also will specially benefit from 'showing off their foreign
> male friends' at their workplaces, if there is a fear of 'sexual
> harassment', for example.

> Also the group can help with simple sharing of info. For example, in
> case of anyone in your group wanting to enter a new contract, with
> any employer in Korea, Japan, Thailand, China, or anywhere else in
> the world, you can suggest to them to read this posting, before:
> http://www.geocities.com/victoryolife/contractkr There, they will
> learn a bit about 'how to find tricks in employment contracts', and
> 'how to add a sentence in the contract to save them from a year of
> unhappiness at work!

>
> ...........................................................................

> IT IS EASY TO BUILD A GOOD SUPPORT GROUP OVER A MONTHS TIME

> Lets create the "TEACHERS SIBLINGHOOD" from today, and let
> it begin with me and you!

> What we can do to start a group?
> We can give a few fliers to the teachers of the schools nearby, and
> we can ask them to join if they like, in posting posters in our area
> and in the main shopping areas where teachers frequent.

> The poster, can read something like:
> .......
> "COME TO TEACHERS PARTY"
> We meet at the Joe's Cafe in BMV Mall
> This Saturday 7 to 9 PM.
> If you see a white man in blue shirt,
> wave, and we will meet!
> .......

> There you can ask them "How can we make a group to really
> strengthen the teachers position?"

> Allow each group the freedom to design its own destiny, at the same
> time that we all can keep in touch and enrich our international
> group. The Union will come by itself!

> "Think Globally, Act Locally!" Said the Yogi on the
> rooftop!

> .................................

> Our friend in Japan, has posted a few links we can check and see how
> the union works there. And let's Pour in the practical ideas, and
> let's make a commitment to gathering friends, and while having fun
> expand our circle!

> Love ya, all!
> Alan

Let's be honest - the idea of a teacher's union is almost certainly not going to work - most of the people in this EFL game are not trained teachers to begin with and can be easily replaced- this is why the wages are low. The trained teachers involved - like myself - do not like the idea of unions to begin with - fleeing from teachers unions is one of the best reasons for a qualified, certificated teacher to go overseas to begin with.