With Americans facing out-of-control health care and energy costs, and the cost of living far outpacing real wages, "there is a disturbing complacency among Americans," NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin said Saturday. "There seems to be no outrage."

Lubin challenged delegates — and all NYSUT members — to remember what led them to their chosen profession in the first place and to take the action needed now to push the country in the direction it is supposed to go.

"We educate the next generation, we heal the sick," Lubin said. "Whether you teach in a pre-k, or university, or whether you serve hot lunches to hungry kids, drive a bus, or help immunize a child, your calling is 'of value' to society."

Lubin said more people should be outraged at the growing gap between the rich and the poor. "One sure fire way to help close the achievement gap in education is to close the wealth gap economically," Lubin said. "The progressive income tax that we tout could pour billions into our needy schools to reduce class size, provide before and after school educational activities and help those who need it most."

Though the battles are somewhat different, Lubin called on members to draw on the passion evident during the turbulent 1960s. "No gain will be made without struggle," he cautioned.

Americans — not just union members — need to recommit ourselves to social justice. "We must mobilize and fight for those things in which we believe to move the country in the right direction," Lubin said. "Be a part of something larger than yourself."

Touting the union's endorsed candidate, Sen. Hillary Clinton, Lubin urged delegates to not only vote to ensure progressive leaders are elected at the state and national levels, but also "volunteer to work on a campaign, go door to door, go to the phone banks, and contribute to VOTE-COPE like your future depends on it — because it does."

"Complacency amongst members is unacceptable," he said. "Working toward social justice is not extra curricular activity. Like Albert Shanker, Sandy Feldman, A. Philip Randolph, and Bayard Rustin, we see the need to move this country and this union forward. Let's get on the move. Let's get it done."