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Tips for New Groups

1. Start as a study group. Give yourselves an opportunity to know one another and to develop a common educational and political vocabulary. Figure out what you want and what you believe. Use short readings from books or periodicals such as Rethinking Schools.

2. Identify other teachers with similar philosophies and invite them to join your group.

3. Make sure your meetings have a social component. People want to have a good time and relax as they do political work. Our jobs are often alienating enough; politics should offer a refuge from alienation.

4. Work closely with teacher educators in your area. Offer to speak in their classes and lead workshops with their students. Seek out student teachers and invite them to participate in your activities.

5. Hook onto progressive education figures who might be speaking around town. Pass out leaflets at their events. Set up a table.</p