With the union — and indeed the state and nation — on the move, this promises to be an exciting and busy Representative Assembly. More than 3,000 delegates will head to New York City April 10-12 for NYSUT's 36th annual RA.

In November, Americans will elect a new president and House of Representatives, and New Yorkers will elect legislators to serve in the Assembly and Senate. This is also a NYSUT election year, and delegates will elect NYSUT officers and members of the Board of Directors as well as delegates to the AFT convention.

"As the RA theme proclaims, we are a union 'On the Move,'" said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi. "The convention is a time to reflect on the achievements of the past year as well as set the course for the future so we continue our growth."

The main business of the convention is 64 new resolutions for deliberation. Topics range from calling for extending solidarity to educators in Peru and the people of Burma, to supporting the organizing efforts of packing workers in North Carolina. Several resolutions deal with the No Child Left Behind Act, including high-stakes testing and performance pay proposals. Resolutions also call for equity in public school funding and support for "green" building projects and recycling programs in schools.

Elected by each local, delegates are the policy-making body of the union. They will consider 24 resolutions for reaffirmation and one proposed amendment to the Constitution, which calls for additions to the NYSUT membership bill of rights.

An impressive roster of speakers will address the convention, including U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, state AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes, American Federation of Teachers President Ed McElroy, National Education Association President Reg Weaver, NEA Vice President Dennis Van Roekel, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, state Labor Commissioner Patricia Smith, state Education Commissioner Richard Mills and Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith.

The NYSUT officers will also update delegates on union activities for the past year and discuss new initiatives and priorities for the coming year.