I have been a member or supporter of Teachers’ Viewpoint or Coalition for most of my AGM experience.  I value being part of a caucus. Having the relationships within the caucus provides a wealth of understanding of how our locals are both same and different with location, collective agreement, district, classrooms etc. 

Sharing points of view to work together, support each other and help to develop an analysis on issues.

Teachers' Viewpoint foundations are:

“

1.       Democratic, member-driven, transparent decision-making processes

2.       Equity through union-wide leadership in all roles that reflects and represents the membership

3.       Solidarity amongst strong, autonomous locals and sub-locals

4.       Protection and improvement of working and learning conditions

5.       Membership-driven participation emphasized in union structures and decision-making

6.       Social Justice is defined by our action, not just words

7.       Professional autonomy and teacher-lead, teacher-provided professional development

8.       Importance of full-scope local bargaining

(AGM 2018, reviewed AGM 2019)"

​

When all LR’s were able to stay on Thursday night, I was able to attend more frequently.  While an RA chairperson, I often was in meetings during caucus meetings.  While I have not been able to be fully engaged every year, I appreciate TV culture that has been :

“We encourage open debate and consensus where possible.

Members are free to dissent from majority decisions of the caucus.

Members are free to ally themselves with others who share common ideals.

We function within the local and provincial decision-making bodies of the BCTF in order to advance our goals and priorities.”

 

Quotes taken from the Teachers’ Viewpoint website last updated in 2006

“A quick history of Teachers' Viewpoint (last updated 2006)

Teachers' Viewpoint began in 1978 following a BCTF AGM that was controlled by administrator members. The voices of classroom and specialist teachers were silenced and their lack of influence in the BCTF became a concern.

The Teachers' Viewpoint caucus was formed to ensure that the voices of teachers were heard, and that the Federation would evolve into a progressive teachers' union.

Since BCTF members gained full union rights in 1988, Teachers' Viewpoint members have been actively involved in promoting improved working and learning conditions, social justice issues and more democratic processes within the BCTF. Recent setbacks notwithstanding, we will continue fight!”

I cannot find the archival information about the Coalition online; however, in my experience it was very similar to Teachers’ Viewpoint with the exception of being more focused on encouraging candidates to run for BCTF Executive positions and supporting them prior to and during the AGM.

 

The Coalition developed a set of principles and sought to elect candidates who committed to governing according to those principles: putting members first, teacher led professional development and professional support, full and free local collective bargaining, democratic governance structures, social justice and respectful, professional relationships with staff.