Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/20186
2010 big election wins LEFT: Tom Torlakson, elected state superintendent of public instruction, along with his wife Mae Cendaña Torlakson (second and third from left), joins CTA Secretary-Treasurer Gail Mendes, President David A. Sanchez, Vice President Dean Vogel, and Executive Director Carolyn Doggett at the Oakland Democratic Party event. Gayle Bilek, chair of the for continuing this battle in the future.” Some of CTA’s opponents spent millions of their own money, and seemed to have an unlimited supply. Their nega- tive messages saturated the airwaves with lies and miscon- ceptions, as they attempted to capitalize on voter unhappi- ness with the slow pace of the economic recovery in Califor- nia. But still CTA prevailed, thanks in large part to CTA’s 2010 Campaign Workgroup and its careful planning, which included good ole grassroots organizing combined with the power of social media. “The key part of our strat- egy was nonstop talking to our members,” said CTA Board member Bonnie Shatun, who serves as the board liaison to the workgroup and CTA’s Po- litical Involvement Commit- tee. “We encouraged building reps and CTA leaders through- out the state to have relational meetings and talk to their members one-on-one. And we insisted that these be two-way conversations.” Those involved in CTA’s campaign also telephoned fel- low members relentlessly to make sure they understood that the future of public education in California was at stake in this election, said Shatun. There was phone banking throughout the state, and hundreds of CTA State Council members engaged in phone banking during the October meeting. All forms of social network- ing also came into play. “We had members using Facebook and posting to all their friends,” said Shatun. “Members were tweeting. We didn’t overlook social networking, and it made a huge difference. I’m relatively new to Facebook myself, but I jumped in and was posting to all my friends. Texting also played a huge part in our plan. Members signed up to receive text messag- es and tens of thousands were sent out about supporting candi- dates and propositions, and where to find polling places.” “Many cogs in this wheel came together,” Shatun summed up. 28 California Educator | NOVEMBER 2010 Campaign 2010 Workgroup and president of the Templeton Teachers Association, said that “canvass cards” were also in- strumental in helping to galva- nize members. CTA leaders carried cards for members to fill out, answering yes or no on whether they supported certain candidates and propositions. “It was a helpful way of bring- ing people into the conversa- tion,” said Bilek. “And it gave us an opportunity for important conversations.” Overall, said Bilek, the key to the campaign’s success was having members pull together as a cohesive group. “We made that happen, and everyone worked well together.” “It was probably the best- coordinated campaign that I’ve ever seen CTA put on,” said Marc Sternberger, a member of the CTA Board. “I’ve been a part of CTA campaigns since the 1980s, and I was glad to see so many members getting in- volved.” Students played a key role in the campaign, too. Areli Doh- ner-Chavez, president of Stu- dent CTA and a student at CSU Stanislaus, said students worked hard to get the message out to their friends, families and others about the impor- tance of this election. “We decided to focus on is- sues that had the most impact on students as a way of bring- ing attention to this election, rather than focusing on the party line,” said Chavez. “Issues like financial aid and tuition have a tremendous impact on students.” Support of minority groups also played a huge role, said Sanchez. “Latinos and other groups came out in force in support of public schools,” he told those gathered at a CTA reception and watch party held at the Oakland Marriott on election night. “I ’m excited and I ’m thrilled,” said CTA Board mem- ber Theresa Montaño, who rep- resents higher education. “I would say it’s just unbelievable — especially when you look at everything that was working against us. I’m so proud of what our members were able to ac- complish for our students.” Newly elected officials thank CTA CTA-supported candidates ABOVE: Newly re-elected U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) at the Oakland Democratic Party event. dropped by the Marriott recep- tion to express heartfelt thanks to CTA members for their support. Photos by Scott Buschman Photos b