Kate Logan, of Rights & Democracy, and Cathy Albisa of the National Economic and Social Rights Initiative (NESRI), discuss the need for a broad discussion and organizing leading to the creation of A New Social Contract: Collective Solutions Built by and for Communities.
Martha Allen, president of the Vermont-National Education Association, talks about how to make sure that all Vermont children have the resources and attention they need and deserve. She explains that students are facing more challenges than ever before, and at a time of rising income inequality, we should work to stop the slashing of services working families depend on. We also need to make public education more affordable for more Vermonters by making the way we pay for schools fairer.
Anu Partanen, author of The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life, discusses what the Nordic countries can tell us about creating a better country. Anu is joined by Isaac Grimm, lead organizer of Rights and Democracy Vermont's Raise Up Vermont campaign.
Darren Allen, Communications Director for the Vermont-NEA, explains that the Burlington Education Association wants schools Burlington deserves. This includes affordable health care for teachers and all Vermonters; adequately resourced schools and support for all students; time for teachers prepare and collaborate to educate students; and transparency with how decisions are made by the school district. The BEA developed contract proposals in line with these areas.
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the largest socialist group in the U.S. with 25,000 members, having grown four fold in the past 18 months, is preparing its convention.