Chapter leaders may get varying receptions from their principals when they go back to work, but they all got the same reception at UFT Headquarters on July 13 th . A gala affair, attended by over 300 new and returning chapter leaders, was the perfect chance to shoot the breeze with old friends, get the ball rolling to make new ones, and share strategies for tackling the inevitable challenges of the coming school year. Missions accomplished!

"The job of being chapter leader was never tougher or more rewarding than it is now. I believe in what I'm doing and the union is always there for support. Times are changing, but if we stay on task, nothing can get us down. Chapter-building is definitely my priority," said Donna Kaufman, co-chapter leader at P.S. 154Q.

"Like anything else, it'll take practice, but I'm very motivated. When I got elected I was excited but intimidated. Now I'm just excited," said a rookie chapter leader from " a battle-scarred school that has turned around."

According to Marie Wroblewski, from I.S. 237 in Region 3, "The principal is in charge of the school's bricks and mortar, but looking out for the humanity in the building is a responsibility that the union shares. I know the chancellor won't agree, but the bottom line is that we have plenty of power, provided we choose to exercise it."

A veteran chapter leader from a Flushing elementary school, Ellen Fields, noted "Some of the stuff that chapter leaders do can't be measured in the usual way. It has to do with setting a tone and sense of pride. It's more than grievances, going to meetings, or taking collections. There's no one formula that works for everybody, but it's hard to fail if you keep your eye on the prize."

Two newly elected chapter leaders, sisters-in-law Kathy Zwiebel (P.S. 198M) and Haren Zwibel (P.S. 175Q) feel that "our union and our schools need unity and proper enforcement of our rights. We're looking forward to this challenge."

President Weingarten rallied the chapter leaders with a rousing yet sobering message. She said that "we no longer have a system where we can generally walk into an office, close the door, and work something out.We believe in fundamental fairness. If we're in it for the kids, why aren't those other folks helping us?" She emphasized, "Community begins with us breaking bread together and mobilizing," adding that there are "different ways of fighting and winning." The President reflected on these recent years of "revolutionary transition," and called the union's chapter leaders her "personal heroes."

The union nurtures a culture of service in its chapter leaders, and recognition that teamwork is necessary for awareness and activism, especially among newer members who the "powers that be" would like to shut out of the legacy of unionism.

This reception for chapter leaders was a pep-talk and a great learning experience. Everyone left it charged up, optimistic, and in fine spirits to face the new year.