Social justice organizing in our communities

Showing Up for Racial Justice, San Mateo:
People with privilege organizing against systemic racism

by David Usher, SURJ San Mateo member

Are you outraged by the repeated police killings, the criminalization, mass incarceration, the economic and political disenfranchisement of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)?  Do you want to join with others and do something about it? Do you want to be part of the effort to dismantle the deep-seated systemic racism which has historically infected all society? Are you willing to look honestly at your own racist complicity, attitudes and prejudices?  If so, we invite you to join us in SURJ San Mateo.

Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) was formed in 2009 in response to the violent racist rhetoric and actions following the election of Barack Obama.  SURJ is designed particularly for white people and others of privilege to address the root causes and public manifestations of white supremacy culture, not only the police killings, mass incarceration and economic injustices, but also their own unwitting complicity in systemic racism.  The national SURJ organization grew steadily over the following decade, and by 2020 there were more than a hundred local chapters.  The summer of 2020 saw a national outpouring of outrage against yet more police killings, and as part of that outrage, SURJ saw a great many new local chapters being formed across the country.  SURJ San Mateo is one such new chapter.

Basic Principles

All SURJ chapters consent to a number of basic principles.

1. The recognition that the work of dismantling racism is also for white people, not only for BIPOC.
2. The work must be done in partnership with BIPOC led organizations, from which SURJ takes its lead, doing what is asked.
3. The sharing of economic privilege caused by systemic racism is an integral part of the work, so at least 50% of all money raised is shared with BIPOC partners.
4. The inward work of examining one’s own history, attitudes and prejudices is equally important.

Actions

Since its formation last summer, SURJ San Mateo has partnered with Faith in Action Bay Area (FIABA,) a BIPOC led organization working with congregations and other community groups on issues of immigration, voting and housing rights.  We have written letters, made phone calls and sent emails as FIABA has requested.  Recently we have also partnered with San Mateo County Coalition for Immigration Rights (SMCCIR) to work against deportations, and Peninsula Anti Racism Coalition (PARC), particularly in the campaign for trained professionals and not the police to respond to 911 calls when someone is having a mental health crisis.

SURJ San Mateo members at Anti-Asian Hate protest in Millbrae on April 17

Meetings

During lockdown SURJ San Mateo has met regularly online on the second Tuesday of each month.  Each meeting is likely to include several action items – an opportunity for self-growth and learning, an outreach on behalf of a current campaign, time to deepen our relationships with each other, and an invitation to share financial support.  We also have study groups to read books or watch movies together to advance our knowledge and understanding, and work action groups to advance our several current campaigns. There have also been public witness gatherings and the offering of testimony to county supervisors and city councilors.

Join

If you are feeling frustrated and angry about the state of the world and how white privilege shows up, please know there is a group of people waiting to join forces with you. Join SURJ San Mateo!

For more information or to join SURJ San Mateo, see:

• SURJ San Mateo contact form
• SURJ San Mateo Website
• SURJ San Mateo Facebook
• SURJ San Mateo Instagram

AFT 1493 Faculty Survey: Who’s vaccinated?

AFT 1493 vaccine survey reveals more than 90% of members have received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine

by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary

Earlier this month, our Local took a survey of SMCCD faculty with the intention of determining whether our members might need help accessing appointments to get a Covid vaccine. The survey was sent out by AFT Campus Chairs on Thursday, April 15^th, with a deadline of Monday, April 19^th. Despite our short turnaround time, we were happy to see a very high response rate: out of about 880 current faculty, 387, or 44%, completed the survey.

Of those 387 SMCCD faculty members:

• 330 (85.7%) said they were fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
• 26 (6.8%) said they were partially vaccinated.
• 29 (7.5%) said they had not been vaccinated.
• 2 skipped the question.

34 faculty answered the second question, which asked faculty who had not received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine what the reason was. (Only 29 faculty had not been vaccinated, but some faculty who had been partially vaccinated answered this question as well.) Of these 34:

• 5 (14.7%) said they had an appointment already scheduled.
• 6 (17.7%) said they were not able to schedule an appointment.
• 9 (26.5%) said they did not plan to be vaccinated for health reasons.
• 14 (41.2%) said they did not plan to be vaccinated for other reasons.

The primary intention of the survey was to assist our Local’s newly formed Solidarity Committee in determining how best to support members who might want to receive a vaccine but have been unable to schedule an appointment. Based on the survey data, the vast majority of members who want to receive a vaccine have been able to secure an appointment. In fact, our Local’s percentage of members who have either been vaccinated or have an appointment—92%—exceeds the percentage of educators nationally with a vaccine or appointment, according to a survey commissioned by our nationwide union, the American Federation of Teachers. That survey, whose data AFT released April 6^th, showed 81% of educators with either a vaccine or appointment; however, that percentage may have risen significantly since the data was collected.

Both the San Mateo Labor Council and our statewide union, the California Federation of Teachers, have resources to make sure educators who want vaccines are able to receive them, including providing appointment sign-up codes. SMCCD faculty who want an appointment but have not been able to make one should reach out to AFT Executive Secretary Marianne Kaletzky.

The AFT 1493 Solidarity Committee was formed to address members’ unmet needs in housing, healthcare, and other areas. Members include Kolo Wamba, Monica Malamud, Katharine Harer, and Jessica Silver-Sharp.

AFT 1493 Faculty Survey: Summer-Fall 2021 MOU

Class size reductions, tech support and work-from-home stipends are priorities as mostly remote instruction continues

by Marianne Kaletzky, AFT 1493 Executive Secretary

Now that AFT and SMCCD have reached a Tentative Agreement for a multiyear contract, our Local is preparing to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) governing work under Covid conditions in Summer and Fall 2021. During these terms, instruction will mostly remain remote; however, more courses will be held in person, by agreement of individual faculty members, than during Fall 2020 or Spring 2021.

AFT surveyed SMCCD faculty with a focus on two questions:

1) how could the existing MOU be improved and,

2) for faculty who will teach in-person during Summer and/or Fall 2021, what do they need to teach safely and effectively?

We launched the survey Tuesday, April 20^th, with a deadline of Friday, April 30^th. 137 faculty members responded to the survey, of whom about 63% were full-timers and about 47% were adjuncts. For the first question, asking how the current MOU could be improved, a number of respondents asked for class size reductions so that they could more effectively support students. Many faculty also discussed their desire for more comprehensive technical support and the need for an increased work-from-home stipend to cover additional expenses incurred by teaching remotely.

Class size reductions a top priority

“I really want to see a class size reduction across the board–even for English composition,” wrote one faculty member who focused on class size. “This past year has been an absolute slog, for faculty and for students. It’s demoralizing to not have the time to devote to my students to help them succeed.”

Others echoed this theme, with one saying the current MOU could be improved with “a lower cap on class size”; a second writing, “Reduce class size when faculty request it”; and a third saying, “We need smaller class size in order to adequately teach our students. For synchronous instruction via Zoom: it takes longer and it is more cumbersome to do activities during which students interact among them (compared to in-person). For all classes: individually following-up with and supporting students take longer than when we were on campus.”

The current MOU sets forth a process for individual faculty to request class size reductions from their deans; however, there is no guarantee the dean will approve the request, and faculty must initiate the process. AFT and District Academic Senate are currently conducting a separate survey to gauge faculty interest in developing a process to give faculty a role in setting class caps, which would remain in effect beyond the Covid MOUs.

More IT support

Other faculty mentioned the need for additional tech support for both instructors and students. “We need IT help via phone/chatline/video-sharing for my students and for instructors who are NOT using a school computer; not just specific Zoom or Canvas problems, but help for students for instance, trying to figure out how to make a pdf or how to ‘draw’ using an MS Word program. They have computer trouble submitting assignments and I do not always know how to help,” wrote one faculty member.

Increase the stipend

Finally, a number of faculty said that the current work-from-home stipend, though helpful, was inadequate to the actual expenses they incurred working remotely. The work-from-home stipend is currently $100 per month for full-timers, with a pro-rated percentage for part-timers. “I really appreciated the $100 stipend, since I’ve had to buy a LOT of furniture and electronic equipment to adapt to teaching from home,” one respondent said. “However, since there was nothing like this in the fall — when I had to make most of my purchases, it didn’t cover much.” Another wrote, “First, $100 is not enough. 2nd, Part-timers should be getting the same amount as full-timers.” A third echoed the need for a better stipend for part-timers, writing, “$100 monthly stipend for adjuncts too. Wifi is expensive.”

A number of faculty members also said that the current provisions were serving their needs well, with responses like, “Can’t think of any! These look great!”; “Keep the same provisions please!”; and “These are good. I especially appreciate the extra $100 for expenses, since I am purchasing materials and resources for my work at home.”

Needs for those returning to in-person teaching

The second survey question asked faculty who will return to in-person teaching this Summer and Fall what provisions they need to teach safely and effectively. Here, a number of faculty expressed their concern that buildings might not have adequate air circulation, with one writing, “Air circulation/filtering in classrooms. I have taught in bldg. 14 for years. No cooling, no air circulation, very stuffy, perfect breeding ground for virus.”

Faculty also mentioned the need for clear masking rules, physical distance between students, free masks and hand sanitizer, a system for making sure classrooms are cleaned and disinfected, a plan of action and communication if an individual tests positive for Covid, and personnel tasked specifically with ensuring compliance with Covid-related guidelines. On the last subject, multiple respondents said faculty should not be the primary people responsible for enforcing restrictions, with one writing, “I don’t want the responsibility to police students. Admin/staff handle PPE of classrooms and labs, mask protocol, temp check and/or other issues.”

Vaccination concerns

Finally, a number of faculty also discussed vaccinations. Some expressed their support for vaccination requirements. “If vaccines receive full approval (not just emergency use), a requirement for EVERYONE (students and employees) who must be on campus to be vaccinated,” wrote one respondent. “Students need to be vaccinated,” wrote another. “Requiring proof of vaccination to attend in person,” said a third. Other faculty voiced concerns about the possibility of vaccination requirements, with one writing, “I’m concerned that I will be forced to get a vaccine in order to be able to come back on campus to teach,” and another saying “UC and CSU have mandated vaccinations for all, however they are allowing religious and personal exemptions. Does our agreement do the same or are we working on an MOU about this? If we are going to start making immunization requirements for faculty or students then please ensure that not only medical exemptions are permitted but that personal and religious exemptions are permitted.”

Our AFT negotiating team—comprised of Chief Negotiator Joaquín Rivera, Negotiator Monica Malamud, and Executive Secretary Marianne Kaletzky—will let members know when we have scheduled dates for negotiating the Summer/Fall 2021 MOU with the District. We will keep members updated throughout the negotiations with details of our and the District’s proposals

Adjunct Faculty

New to SMCCD? Support for Part-time Faculty is Available.

My name is Jessica Silver-Sharp and I’m writing to reach out to those of you hired since our campuses closed last March. Since our district doesn’t generally hold orientations for new part-time faculty, I’m available to fill you in on your adjunct rights and benefits, hear about your concerns, and get you up-to-date on the important work AFT is doing on behalf of our approximately 900 faculty union members.

As a part-time faculty librarian at Skyline College for almost 10 years (and your union Secretary), I know how it is to juggle jobs at several campuses. I encourage you to take the step of getting in touch and we’ll find some time that’s convenient to talk or Zoom, Tuesday through Saturday. I can also brief you on your campus library resources and library services for faculty that are sure to enhance your job. You can reach me here: silver-sharp@aft1493.org

Reminders for part-time faculty:

• Don’t forget to file for unemployment benefits

As an adjunct, you’re eligible for unemployment compensation benefits during the period between the regular term and summer school and during summer break, unless you are working another job during this time or earning more than your unemployment grant would be. As soon as you give your last final exam this month, contact the Employment Development Department (EDD) office and file a claim, or reactivate the one you have.

When applying, tell them about all your jobs, since  your benefit is based on all your income over the previous year. If an interview is scheduled, when they ask if you currently have a job to go back to, answer: “Not with reasonable assurance. I only have a tentative assignment contingent on enrollment, funding and program needs.” This is important: Do not tell them that you have an assignment for next semester or you will be disqualified. According to the Cervisi decision of the State Court of Appeals (and the Ed. Code), part-timers, as a class, do not have “reasonable assurance” of a job and hence are eligible for benefits between terms. If questioned further, mention the Cervisi case.

For new claims there’s a one-week waiting period before benefits start, so don’t delay. While the EDD has definitely struggled this year, I encourage you not to give up. If you have questions or are denied benefits for any reason, contact Marianne Kaletzky in the AFT office (kaletzky@aft1493.org) as soon as possible and the union will advise you on how to file an appeal. Don’t be reluctant to file. This is your right, not charity!

• Deadline for health reimbursement: June 15

Don’t miss the June 15 deadline to apply for your Spring semester reimbursement of up to $1505 for employee-incurred health benefit premium costs if you qualify by working 40% or more of a full-time load for SMCCD. Complete the Part-Time Faculty Medical Reimbursement Application, provide proof of medical plan coverage and premium payments, and submit the application to George Sampior, Jr. (Human Resources) at: sampiorg@smccd.edu.

• Flex Day pay issues?

Confused about Flex Days? You’re not alone. Part-time faculty are not obligated to attend. However, if you participated but were not paid, I can assist you with both documents you’ll submit, the Flex Day Reporting Form and the Adjunct faculty timesheet. This paperwork is also due on June 15.

I look forward to hearing from you.  -Jessica <silver-sharp@aft1493.org>

In Memoriam

Rich Yurman,
Retired Skyline Professor of English, Creative Writing & Algebra, 1937-2021

Rich Yurman passed away in his sleep at the end of January 2020. Rich taught at Skyline from the early 1970’s into the 1990’s and was beloved by his students and his colleagues for his humor, generosity, and understated braininess.  Rich started out at MIT as a math guy, and on a whim took a poetry class that detonated his life path. He’d found his true passion and became a poet and teacher of literature and writing. When asked the typical question, “So what do you do?” Rich would invariably answer, “I’m a poet”.

Rich grew up in Manhattan and Queens. After graduating from M.I.T. and Boston U., he lived in Seattle, Honolulu, and for many years, San Francisco, and then moved to Oakland to live with his life-partner, Clo. He retired from Skyline College in 1993 after directing the creative writing program for over twenty years and teaching English, Algebra and Creative Writing. Each spring, Rich worked with student editors to publish Skyline’s literary magazine, Talisman.

Two of Rich’s former creative writing students remember him

Rich Yurman was the first teacher I had who told me I was smart and talented, and when you’re a working-class kid, first in your family at college and not knowing what you’ll do with your life, hearing that is important. He read my poems and said they were good. I sat in his creative writing and Talisman production classes, deepened my love of language and literature and began to dream of a real life for myself. He encouraged me to transfer for a 4-year degree and celebrated my graduation from SF State with my family. He wrote letters of rec for my MFA and PHD applications, and every day when I step into my own community college classroom,  I think about how Rich’s mentoring saw me through a lot of tough times and helped me stay focused on my big dreams. He was always in my corner and always helped me to believe in myself. The last time I saw him was on a book tour at Beyond Baroque in LA. I took him out to eat and we just laughed and laughed together— he had a great sense of humor and was always full of good advice. The last advice he gave me was: “Teaching is important, but always remember you’re an artist and a poet with important things to say.” I loved him dearly and will never forget him.

– Kirsten Ogden, Skyline class of 1992

Rich was the first teacher I had outside of that bubble of high school who made me feel like I belonged in college. By the time I met Rich I had already flunked out of CSM and didn’t think college was for me, but he knew better. In the environment Rich created, Rich helped me learn and know that I had a special voice— a creative voice that was worth exploring. As an Illustrator and writer, he welcomed me to the staff of Talisman and I did five covers of the book. That honor helped plant a seed that I could be an artist. Rich was also the first writer I had ever met. On top of being a professor, he practiced what he taught, and I’ll never forget how that experience of learning from a writer helped me learn how to read literature— because I had the author’s voice right there in class. He helped open up for me the world of the written word as something important and worthy of serious attention and study. I’ve since gone on to write and draw comics, showcase my fine art publicly, and write my own stories and see them published in anthologies. What Rich taught me was that art and storytelling were living things that we carry in our hearts so that we may connect to other hearts.

– Mathew Digges

Rich maintained a rich and useful life outside of teaching. He wrote plays with the Red Balloon Theatre company and film reviews and cultural news for the socialist newsletter, Common Sense.  He headed-up the Media Alliance Central America Committee and volunteered with the organization, Men Overcoming Violence. When he retired from Skyline, he volunteered in an after-school tutoring program in San Francisco’s Sunset district, working one-to-one with elementary school students who he adored.

Rich published four collections of poetry:  Perfect Pair: He whispered/She shouted, Giraffe, Fascination Dolls, and More, and his poems appeared regularly in literary journals. Much of his writing is firmly rooted in the New York of his childhood, living with his parents and grandparents in Forest Hills. He leaves behind a loving partner, Clo, his son, Lee, daughter, Thea, and grandson, Jake, and many more family, friends, students and colleagues who miss him greatly.

A personal note

Rich was one of the first faculty members I met when I started teaching English part-time at Skyline in 1978-79.  We connected right off the bat – we had poetry, baseball, and radical politics in common and much more. One day after class I showed him a poem I was working on and with great tact and kindness he said, “I like it, but I’d lose that line. You don’t need it.” He was right. The poem was so much better without it.  That was the beginning of an over forty-year writing and editing partnership.  Rich and I read and responded to one another’s poems in the kitchens and living rooms of our houses and in cafes in San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland.  We edited one another’s manuscripts and celebrated one another’s publications.  Neither of us could imagine putting our writing into the world without the other’s blessing.

When Rich decided to retire, he encouraged me to apply for a full-time job so I could take over the Skyline creative writing program and Talisman magazine.  The plan worked – I got the job and, with a lot of help and guidance from Rich, enjoyed some of the most meaningful and fulfilling work of my teaching career.  I can’t believe I won’t be able to show him this tribute to make sure I got it right.  He’s my inner reader, my biggest fan, my kind and wonderful friend.

A memorial is planned for June 2^nd, Rich’s birthday, at a baseball field in San Francisco.  For more details and to read some of Rich’s poems, go to ryurman.org.

– Katharine Harer, Skyline English & Creative Writing professor & AFT 1493 Co-Vice President