On Mon, 16 Nov 1998, Michael Eisenscher wrote: > Democracy is not a spectator sport; it requires active participation. Active > participation by members is best assured where there is an organizational > “engine” created by rank and file caucuses or other formations in which the > Left participates and plays a leading role. This becomes the most conscious > expression of rank & file activism (but by no means the only one, nor always > necessarily the most important at any given juncture). But it sure ain't easy to do this. The GTFF here at the University of Oregon has been trying to push local empowerment of our stewards, for example, and shifting responsibility away from officers/staff and towards rank and file. It's tough, though, because the division of labor means that most folks work themselves to the bone just teaching their classes; few have time for permanent activism. Our response, and this isn't something which can be generalized for every workforce, has been to try to turn our workforce diversity into our greatest strength, by networking with the University/Eugene/undergrad activists, and encouraging our members to sign on to specific, small-scale things they can jump aboard on (like childcare activism or whatever). The small-scale actions lead to bigger commitments later on, etc. Alas, I've got papers to grade, so I gotta sign off, but more on this tomorrow. -- Dennis
