Racial, Social and Economic Justice Initiatives at the MTA
The MTA is engaged in anti-oppression work on multiple fronts. This space is meant to bring all those initiatives together so members can easily access committees, resources and actions taking place throughout the state. Whether readers are just starting to learn about oppression or want to be more actively engaged, they can explore several pathways. MTA members and staff are working together to build a more inclusive and just union. We hope this page can help you learn, reflect and connect with people and programming based on your location on the action continuum of social justice (see tools & frameworks). Please reach out to share a resource or an idea. We hope to build our power and solidarity as members so that we are prepared and equipped to dismantle oppression within our organizations, our local unions, and ultimately throughout our schools, campuses and communities.
On the Transformative Pathways tab above, readers will find lesson plans, films, books, racial and social justice organizations, articles, excerpts, tools and frameworks. On the Join an Action tab members will be able to locate and submit any actions taking place near them or build our collective power by supporting other campaigns. Below, members will find links to our active, member-driven committees and find out what they are doing and how you can get involved.
MTA Member Action Groups
Anti-Racism Task Force
The Anti-Racism Task Force is charged with:
- Holding discussion groups for members.
- Coming together to discuss and strategize around anti-racism including processing the harmful impacts of racism.
- Developing anti-racism strategies for working in their locals, schools, and/or communities.
EMAC
The Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee exists to advise the MTA Board of Directors as to the status, concerns, and affairs of ethnic and minority groups on a local, state, and national level.
LCR
Locals Confronting Racism is a group of local affiliates, including Arlington, Belmont, Burlington, Cambridge, Everett, Lexington, Melrose and Newton. LCR organizes workshops and other activities to address racism in districts and locals. The goal is to move lessons into practice.
LGBTQ+ Issues Committee
- Identifies concerns of LGBTQ+ members and students. Recommends to the Board of Directors mechanisms to address those concerns.
- Monitors the implementation and effectiveness of LGBTQ+ membership activities.
- Communicates to MTA members activities of concern to LGBTQ+ members.
Human Relations Committee
The Human Relations Committee promotes the advancement of women in education and addresses issues of civil and human rights.
Equal Opportunity Council
The Equal Opportunity Council oversees the implementation of the Equal Employment and Affirmative Action Policy and serves as advisor to the Executive Director-Treasurer or designee. The EOC shall oversee the implementation of the Policy and shall serve as advisor to the Executive Director-Treasurer or designee.