Campus Equity Week 2005 - Call to Action

In late October through early November 2005, there will be coordinated activities on campuses throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Campus Equity Week (CEW), often named Fair Employment Week (FEW), has been held regularly since 2001. CEW/FEW is designed to educate our campus communities, the public and policymakers, focusing attention on contingent academic employment issues of fairness and quality of education. In 2005, October 24-29 has been set for FEW activities across Canada while October 31-Novemer 4 have been designated CEW/FEW for higher education in the United States.

In addition to public education, the week of action will promote local organizing and encourage contingent faculty participation and activism. We are inviting anyone interested in promoting fairness for contingent faculty to begin making plans to take action during that week. Reach out to other groups on your campus and in your community and start determining what kind of events best address your local conditions. The CEW/FEW Steering Committee can help you begin. CEW/FEW will also take issue with declining labor standards and increasing use of temporary and part-time labor for all campus work. We endorse the adoption of equitable labor policies and standards that encourage fairness and dignity for all members of the campus community.

CEW/FEW is part of a growing movement among working people from all walks of life seeking to address the inequities of contingent work. Campus activism is directly linked to that broader movement through the professional organizations, labor unions and member organizations of the North American Alliance for Fair Employment that support CEW/FEW and constitute its steering committee.

This campaign is highly decentralized and flexible, reflecting what each local organization and individual feels would work best in their community. The materials on the CEW/FEW website  will give you a few ideas of the kinds of activities you could organize - from a rally to support local bargaining or organizing drives, a press conference, a teach-in, film showing, public forum, or presentations to governments. Even something as simple as setting up an information table on your campus can make a big difference in bringing your issues to the attention of your colleagues and students. Don't feel limited by what we suggest - be creative, and have fun with your events. It's up to you - as long as you do something!

How It Works

The Steering Committee continues to put together materials that you can use in your planning and events. We've established a website, www.CampusEquityWeek.org, and an email discussion list (see below) so organizers can share information about their plans for the week, find inspiration and support, brainstorm creative ideas, and track down other groups working in their area. Coordinators will liaise with local and regional organizations to publicize the campaign, and keep track of events that are held or are being planned. They will also develop contacts with local media and report progress to the Steering Committee. A Resolution of Support has been established centrally that can provide a concrete link between local activities throughout North America. You can use this to assert organizational and individual solidarity in our common efforts.

If you have questions about the central campaign or would like to get in touch with the Steering Committee, you can contact the Central Coordinator: Chris Storer, (650) 949-2287 - Email to: Chris Storer. When you begin planning your local activities, please notify Chris by Email so he can add your plans to the website.

Take Action!

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All materials on the CEW/FEW website are available for your use. Also, join the CEWaction listserv by sending a blank message to <CEWaction-subscribe@topica.com> The success of Campus Equity Week depends upon the energy, creativity and commitment of local organizers. It's up to you to make the campaign your own. But by working together, we know we can make our voices heard.

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