Virginia Cantrell
President
Detroit Federation of Teachers
AFT Local 231, AFL-CIO

 

 

 

 
 
       
 

The Cantrell Commitment

As members of the Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT), AFT Local 231, AFL-CIO, Caucus for Cantrell: Educators for Change, we have heard a "clarion call for change," from the DFT Rank-and-file membership. We have stood up, at the request of the Rank-and-file membership, and said, "Count Me In."  Caucus for Cantrell stands ready to answer that call!  That is why we are "Educators for Change!"  We are the educators who will implement change in our union, and we need the help of all DFT members to do it.  Therefore, it is imperative for all DFT members to join the Caucus for Cantrell: Educators for Change.  We will not only change the way our union does business, but, more importantly, we will restore the bonds of trust between the Rank-and-file membership and its elected officials. We pledge to represent all DFT bargaining units equally and fairly because "an injury to one really does precede an injury to all." 

In this era of official posturing and grandstanding, Caucus for Cantrell: Educators for Change offers a viable option and detailed agenda for union renewal, a written commitment with "no fine print."  After many years of staid, smug, lethargic, and unilateral control by one ineffective group, this year's election offers DFT members the chance to elect a new, energized, and robust caucus that will fight assertively for all DFT members. Caucus for Cantrell: Educators for Change has brought about the dawning of a new and vibrant era.  The paradigm has shifted to where union leadership must now actually respect the values, and share common convictions with its members, the DFT Rank-and-file. 

Virginia Cantrell is an experienced, dynamic, and proven leader who is tried and true. She is trustworthy, fair, square, and above all--honest. Her integrity is above reproach, and she possesses a vast knowledge of union and labor affairs. She is a highly skilled labor negotiator who will lead our union to growth, vibrancy, and economic gains.  "She is a proven fighter."  Virginia Cantrell will restore the pride of unionism within the DFT Rank-and-file, and make us all proud to say, "DFT, That's my union!"   Her era of governance will be inclusive, always with the best interests of the DFT, Rank-and-file membership at heart.  When elected as your new top leader, Virginia Cantrell promises to restore accountability and confidence in the DFT. She will put the membership first in addressing the issues that are of major concern to DFT members. 

 

 
Caucus for Cantrell: Educators for Change pledges the following Platform:

 

The Cantrell Platform

 
 1.    We will build close ties with our community, with parents, students, and the people of the city, understanding that an injury to one of us really does precede an injury to all. 
 2.    We understand that racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression and discrimination only serve to divide us from each other, and the people of the city, and we will set out to demolish these divisions before they are used to divide us.
 3.   We are committed to equality and democracy
 4.   We are committed to providing quality education and educational services to the children in DPS and will build alliances with their parents/ guardians.
 5.    We will fight for the safety of DPS children and DFT members.
 6.   We will not hold union office for personal gain and will always seek and respect the voice of members, while at the same time, trying to be responsible in our role as leaders.
 7.    We will be transparent and honest.
 8.    Our membership meetings will be open and announced to enable all DFT members to attend.
 9.   Union elections will not take precedent over the functions of the union.
10.   We will support politicians who openly support our union and our principles.
11.   We will defend our members assertively through all legal channels available whenever necessary.
12.   Leadership will be proactive instead of reactive with all DFT membership concerns.
13.   An injury to one really does precede an injury to all.


“Children First!”
“An injury to one is an injury to all!”
 
 
         

Created by Neighborhood Values for the Caucus for Cantrell. Please send any comments, about these pages to, David Arnold.