*******************************
ENI Meetings Are Open to All (www.ednotinc.org)
General Meetings: 4th Mondays  7-9PM (April 24)
Niebyl Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave
Program Committee: Every Tuesday, 4-5:30PM at
McClymonds Educational Complex, Room 216, 2607 Myrtle St
********************************************************

THE OAKLAND EDUCATION ASSOCIATION will be going on a one-day
strike this Thursday April 20.  A letter of support from
Education Not Incarceration is attached and below.  Here are
four ways we suggest you can help:

1. Attend the Rally to Save Schools and Protect Health Care:
Tuesday, April 18, 4-5:30 at Oakland Tech High School, 4351 Broadway
Featuring Ron Dellums, Sponsored by the Alameda County Central
Labor Council and the Oakland Education Association

2. Attend the All OUSD Parents Emergency Meeting
Tuesday, April 18, 6-8PM Hunter Hall, 4th Floor, 1025 2nd Ave

3. JOIN A PICKET LINE THURSDAY!!!!!  Go to a school in your
neighborhood and show your support by walking with educators
on the picket line.  The picket will be all day during the school
day from 6:30AM-11AM and from 2PM-4PM
AT NOON THERE WILL BE A RALLY AT PERALTA PARK (on 10th Street,
between Kaiser Auditorium and the District Office).
If possible, find alternative arrangements for your children,
rather than having them cross the picket line.

4. Join a Biking Tour of the Picket Lines!!!
Time: Starting at 7:30 AM. on Thursday Starting and finishing at
Montano Velo Bike Shop: 4266 Piedmont Ave., Oakland
Free!!!  Rain or shine
Itinerary & route:  The specific itinerary will be posted at
http://oaklandteacher.blogspot.com

*****************************************

April 12, 2006

Dear Community Leader,

We, at Education Not Incarceration (www.ednotinc.org), want to
express our support the Oakland Education Association (OEA) in
increasing the standard of living and ease of teaching for
those who connect with our future and their strike on April 20,
2006.

The State Administrator, an un-elected appointee who receives
$300,000/year for his salary and benefits, has attempted to
portray teachers demanding more than they deserve.  30% of
educators leave Oakland every year citing  "general frustration
attributed to working conditions, low pay and greater opportunities
for professional growth and promotions in other school districts". On top
of already difficult conditions, elementary art and music
programs have been eliminated and libraries are being closed.
Also, the District is trying to cut the already inadequate number
of counselors working with our youth.  Further, the District is
threatening to force educators to pay part of their own health
care.  Finally, inadequate pay for substitute teachers forces
teachers to fill vacancies instead of having time to prepare
for class.

Under these conditions educators are not able to empower our
youth.  Thus, the struggle for a fair contract is at the center
of a struggle for a equitable and quality education, a struggle
for our children?s future.  Further, by providing our students
with a quality education, we will be able to address the problems
of unemployment, violence and disaffection that are deeply rooted
in our community.

We ask you to stand in solidarity with the OEA by joining educators on the
picket lines at the school in your neighborhood on April 20, and by
informing others of the importance of this struggle.

Sincerely,

Jonah Zern 
Chair, Program Committee

Nuri Ronaghy
Chair, Organizational Development Committee