Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/955848
S ometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint the start of a movement. With #RedForEd it was a Twitter exchange. Noah Karvelis, a music teacher from Littleton, was inspired by the massive educator-led activities in West Virginia and wanted to know what could be done here in Arizona. I proposed he ask his colleagues at his site to see if they shared his desire for change and, more importantly, were ready to make it happen. He found willing co-workers, and they had an idea. They called it #RedForEd . The movement spread quickly. Within a week, Noah was joined by 30,000 teachers, Education Support Professionals, parents, and supporters in a Facebook group called Arizona Educators United. He assembled a leadership team including AEA members Cat Barrett, Derek Harris, Dylan Wegala, and others to help him direct the newly awakened energy into local actions that would have a statewide impact. We've seen days of state- wide solidarity, legislators taken to task at the capitol, a governor challenged to do more or get out of the way. And we're just getting started. Through the direct action of our members, AEA is a proud participant in the #RedForEd movement. Our officer team and staff are dedicated to seeing the #RedForEd movement achieve the long-held goals of increased salaries and affordable health care for teachers and Education Support Professionals. And it all began because an educator stepped up. 4 ADVOCATE | SPRING 2018 IN SOLIDARITY by Joe Thomas AEA OFFICERS Joe Thomas President Marisol Garcia Vice President Angela Philpot Treasurer AEA STAFF Mark J. Simons Executive Director Sheenae Shannon Editor Roxanne Rash Graphic Design Advertising The AEA Advocate is published by the Arizona Education Association, 345 East Palm Lane, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1532. Phone: 602- 264-1774 or 800-352-5411 Fax: 602-240-6887. Email: sheenae.shannon@arizonaea.org. AEA's website may be found at www.arizonaea.org. Permission to reprint any material originating with this publication is granted provided that credit is given to the AEA Advocate. The AEA Advocate (ISSN 0194-8849) is published in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer for $3.50 per year by the Arizona Education Association, 345 East Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004-1532. Periodicals postage paid at Phoenix, Arizona. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the AEA Advocate, 345 East Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004-1532. Moving? Please let us know before you go. Simply clip your mailing label from the back of the Advocate and send it along with your new address to: AEA Advocate 345 East Palm Lane Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1532 - 9 n Joseph H. Thomas, President Arizona Education Association