FAQs – Caucus Myths

What is a caucus?

A caucus is simply a group of people with shared concerns within a political party or larger organization. One way to think about it is a group of people doing issues-based organizing. A caucus is an organic component of political life. By participating in a caucus, members demonstrate action oriented engagement, connect with other members on common values, and help us learn from one another’s experience and perspective. Remember: we are the union, and we are stronger together!

What does the Teacher Viewpoint caucus organize about?

See our Guiding Principles. These principles are voted on at every Annual General Meeting by our members. They have shifted and changed over the years, and the dynamic nature of our principles allow us to be responsive to our changing membership and the world.

What do meeting look like?

We come together as a group at BCTF Representative Assemblies and at the BCTF Annual General Meeting in person to discuss and prepare. You don’t have to be going to BCTF events in order to attend of participate. Join the email list, or be part of the discussion!

This year, we have also started hosting monthly organizing meetings online for learning and discussion. These are open to all members and are a fun way to connect and work together. See our calendar on our home page for upcoming meeting dates .

Why Teacher Viewpoint?

Many years ago, the BCTF included both teachers and administrators. Prior to administrators leaving the BCTF, there were some significant differences in how our values reflection our work. Teacher Viewpoint was created to ensure that the perspective and priorities of teachers were reflected in the work of the BCTF. We have continued, even though administrators left the BCTF. It’s not the opposition that defines us, it’s a commitment to a set of values that has been persistent. We believe it’s always important to center member’s voices and ensure BCTF leadership is accountable to members!

Why do people say Teacher Viewpoint supports strikes?

We believe that the strength in any union rests in collective decision making. Strike action is not a decision made at the drop of a hat, and requires thoughtful decision making and strategy. As workers our labour is power, and we have the right to withhold this power if our needs are not being met, our rights are being trampled, and our working conditions are not getting better. Job action must be part of the scope of tools we have available, should we reach impasse at the bargaining table.

What role does Teacher Viewpoint have in elections?

Electoral politics is a reality in any political organization, as such, we do engage in elections. We have a deep belief in holding elected leaders to account, and work together to strengthen the working conditions for teachers. In some years, Teacher Viewpoint has run a slate of candidates or endorsed individual candidates who are in support of our Guiding Principles. In general, given that our Guiding Principles include member-driven participation in union structures and equity throughout union leadership, it makes sense that we’d be working to see our values reflected on the BCTF Executive Committee.

Teacher Viewpoint is a closed group/network.

Nope, we are public. Come join us! Check out our calendar and email bcteacherviewpoint@gmail.com to stay up to date on all meetings.