I need some advice now from those who know...

[feelthebreeze]

An opportunity has presented itself to me. It is a huge choice and I feel the need to ask for advice. I have been offered to run for a school board position in a very progressive township that has a BOE(Board of Education), that has been successfully infiltrated by a cabal of neocons. They are now in a crisis situation. I know that this sounds dramatic, but it has happened here, as it is happening all over the U.S. I am new to this community, but my activism against the school board has sparked real interest for me to run for the position of one of three opening spots. Only one of the Ultraconservatives is open to be challenged along with one moderate and one progressive. The neocon faction only needs the incumbent to win and gain another seat and then it is bye-bye time for any hope of decent representation for our children in this community. We have a newly installed Superintendent who is very progressive and pro open involvement from the community, however she will be neutered or replaced by a Neo con majority, if they take control. No one else is stepping forward to run and I am worried about the commitment required by taking the position of Board member. I have no background in Education, although neither does my opponent, but my real job is not a regular 9 to 5 existence. My first priority is to put food on the table, roof over our heads. I worry that this will not be achievable if I take on duties that would overwhelm my need to gain work. I am asking for advice from those of you who have served positions like this. How much is required? I also can expect the politics to be dirty and oppressive.

I have never been so conflicted in my entire life and I am at a crossroads. Here is a chance to make a needed difference and I don't know if I can do it. Please give me your input. It would be more than appreciated.

[havocmom]

1. If you have the time, energy and don't suffer from thin skin

go for it. We need to stop thinking local level elections are not important. They are VERY important. Wingers on school boards do a LOT of long term damage to America.

If the position will cost your personal life too much, pass it by. But if you can put the energy into it, the rewards will be great. So will the aggravation, but nothing worth while is easy.

Only you can know the level of effort you can afford. But our communities are being damaged by people who run for school board positions for all the wrong reasons. We need to find ways to turn the tide.

Good luck, what ever you decide. Keep us informed. People care.

[feelthebreeze]

3. Thank you for your words of encouragement...

The conflict comes from my not having the time, but knowing the importance of fighting and stopping this lunacy. Words are no longer enough and this horrifying form of non representational government is infiltrating in so many levels. I feel like a hypocrite not to make this sacrifice, and not able to feed my family. I need to know how much commitment is expected from this position.

[havocmom]

4. How big is the township?

You might wanna talk to the local teacher's professional group for info on what sort of time/energy would likely be involved.

[feelthebreeze]

6. Because of the very intricate politics involved...

This move might backfire in many huge ways. Word might get leaked too early to the opposition and destroy any chance of gaining steam before money and town standing is brought to bear in battling this move and it is squashed.

[land of the free]

7. I agree with "havocmom"

The radical right wing is trying to systematically take over our school boards. It sounds like your town needs you.

You're smart to be cautious about this commitment. Running for local school board can be difficult, stressful, and time consuming. So is the job (if you win). The local politics can be really dirty.

But if you have the strength and time to do it, and if you believe that you can be a good contributor to your school board (and it sounds like you would be, especially since so many others think you'd be a great candidate), then go for it.

Ask for advice from others who have run, or have retired from that school board. See what you can learn from them about the job commitment, as well as information about the politics and the stresses of running.

I wish you luck! Please let us know what decisions you make. I'm sure its good to know that you'll have thousands of DUers giving you advice, encouragement, and wishing you the best of luck.

[feelthebreeze]

8. Good advice, thanks for the support...

Still too early to ask others in the community. It might leak too early and hem me into a position of acceptance that I am not ready to make just yet. But true, I need to ask around from past board members.

[land of the free]

13. you're very wise. Keep it on the down low

until you get more inside info from people you can trust.

Good luck in making your decision!

[SharonAnn]

17. I say go for it. Here's why:

If you don't run, then you and progressives don't have a "set at the table" when decisions are made and the children lose.

If you do run and you lose, then you did what you knew was the right thing and the situation is no worse than if you hadn't run. And, you've had a chance to bring out the issues, speak at candidates events, get people thinking, and plant the seeds for future elections.

If you do run and you win, and the demands prove to be too great, then you back off to what you can reasonably do and the situation is somewhat better off than if you hadn't run. You have a "seat at the table" and a "vote" so you can participate in the discussions and the decisions.

If you do run and you win, and you can meet the demands, then the situation is hugely better for your children and the entire town!

So you see, the only situation in where things are not better off is the one in which you don't run!

Do it! I'm doing it! I'm taking on a County Mayor's race because our county is in danger of being run by one of two seriously bad people. Our party hasn't built up much bench strength yet, and no one else was willing to take it on. So, I'm doing it. Raising money, creating "issue statements", doing stump speeches, etc. What a trip! But I love my community and want to be part of making it better, not one who sits around and complains that "someone ought to do something".

[feelthebreeze]

18. you are an inspiration...

If it is possible to back off after I get in, then it is a possibility to run. I will follow this angle. By the way... you rock, thanks for your attention.

[babylonsister]

2. I've never served, but wanted to kick this anyway.

I just want to say I think they really need you if you can justify the time required. Is there anyone you can ask about what kind of commitments you'd have to make?

[feelthebreeze]

5. There is. The progressive wants to run me as well as a local political

group. I could speak more openly with him about the commitment, but I want to get more than just his take on it. He knows how high the stakes are and his position is being targeted, so of course he wants others to join in the fight. Consequently I was hoping to get more insight from other people. Like yourself. Thank you for taking your time to post.

[niyad]

9. The advice everyone has given you has been very good. May I add

a comment or so? I was in CA when the so-aptly named "stealth campaigns" started--sneaking in a bunch of reichwing, fundie neocon types onto the school boards to completely destroy the educational system (this was AFTER working on the TX school textbook committees). Those on the right take the school boards very seriously--witness dover, PA, and KS, and the largest school district here, which no longer allows Planned Parenthood to gives lectures on reproductive health, thanks to the reich.

If you can afford the time and energy and money, and all the aggravation and grief, do run. Even if you can't--that doesn't stop the activism. The large district here has some real whackos on the board, and I make sure they hear from me at every opportunity.

Do what you can, and feel good about what you can do. Let us know what you decide, and if we can help in any way.

[feelthebreeze]

14. I agree that the activism won't stop...

But the real chance to confront and overcome their power is a very pressing need. A position would guarantee an immediate and real threat to their stealth work. I believe that cabal activities such as these cannot endure with the open sunlight shining on them. I want to uncover it to the public at large. So few are understanding of how quickly their rights can be ignored or obliterated under this section that seeks power and respects and craves absolute authority. Wish I could wake more people up, wish I could get more people to run. Thank you for your insight. Wish I could invite you all over to the house for dinner.

[NoGOP]

10. Although your background isn't in education......

your desire can certainly overcome that. I would highly suggest a look around NEA website to fill in some the holes you might be worried about in your background. The NEA is very progressive friendly and if you know some teachers in the area maybe they can put you in touch with their rep? They would love to have someone like you on the school board!

[feelthebreeze]

15. Excellent thought. I will follow through on that, if I run. thanks

[roguevalley]

11. If you want to do it, do it. Make sure you don't have a tender skin.

If you doubt, then pass, honey. Be sure. And you have respect regardless of your decision.

[feelthebreeze]

16. This is a defining moment for me.

I take your advice very much to heart. I know there will be sacrifice, but I also know that we need to take stands against this nightmare that has taken over our country on a very real and daily basis. I believe in taking action, speaking to power, representing the people, fighting for the right cause and helping those who need our help. Now with this opportunity I am faced with I can do something more than join petitions, sing to the choir, march with the angered masses. I can make a very real difference in this beautiful community that has this insidious action happening against it. I just don't know if I can sacrifice my work and the security of my family to do it. I want to put my money where my mouth is, literally. But since it is a non paying elected position I just don't know about the cost. Thank you for your respect. It means alot.

[SeaBob]

12. give it time

Give it time. Neocons gennerally tend to iumplode because of their own shortsightedness and ego

[sandnsea]

19. Size of your town?

Smaller towns require less management time, more run-ins at the grocery store type time. So that would be important I imagine. From the school board people I know, in small towns, it's not overly time consuming unless you've got major curriculum changes, a building project coming up or some kind of major transition that's causing social conflicts.

As to the education background, don't worry about that. People are looking for community views on a school board, they've hired the Superintendent and his/her staff for the education background.

[feelthebreeze]

20. Smallish to middle...

That is good news to hear. I am meeting with one of the board members to speak candidly about this and further pursue my options. Thank you all for your insights and support. As I get closer I will tell you my decision. Good to have others that I can confide in. Proud to be a member of this group.

I'll see you again in the trenches.

feelthebreeze