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And so it begins...

After an awesome little gathering in Durham on Thursday, people from a half dozen different divisions and representing both NUT and ATL sections discussed some exciting new projects and events.


Next meeting will be hosted by Mid Northumberland, 13th December, Bar Luga, Morpeth. 5:30pm

Poverty Seminar and Potential Round Table Event.—Bob Webb
22nd November, York

Prof Terry  Wrigley is busy organising a seminar on Poverty in Education involving academics, union officers, including Kevin Courtney and any interested parties through the Reclaiming Schools  Network (find them on Twitter).

Prof Wrigley is asking divisions and associations to sponsor some of the costs of the event if they are able.

The group also discussed a possible Roundtable event which would take place in the evening in the hope that a MTAS type coalition of campaigners and organisers can start to come together.

Poverty in School CPD event—Emma Parker
December, date tbc, Durham.
Working with Packed House, Stanley—a charity specialising in dealing with Summer Holiday related food poverty—a CPD event and Packed House fund raising event is being arranged and will look to support teachers and union members in their efforts to reduce the impact of poverty in school.

Public Sector Pay Rise Demonstrations 
Daniel Kedebe, Merike Williams
Stockton 21st Oct, Newcastle 13th November
Pretty much does what it says on the tin! Two demonstrations are up and going, please do your best to spread the word and gather attendance for these important TUC organised demonstrations.

NEU Ideas—Nik Jones
Newcastle University, 21st December and on going.
From January onwards we'll be working with groups of students who will be researching or developing changes which they (and we) believe will improve education and the working lives of teachers and students. Each group of students will be coached by us and will 'launch' their campaign with an event or series of events in June. 
The purpose of this competition is to demonstrate the campaigning nature of the NEU, the possibilities for creating real change by engaging with their union and to meet us, see how we work and see how easy it is to be part of something as powerful and generally awesome as the NEU.

Bernard Reagan Book Launch
Dates to be confirmed Newcastle and Durham—Daniel Kedebe
The NUT has long supported our fellow professionals in Palestine and so it’s no surprise to find one of our former members publishing a book detailing the Balfour Declaration.
The author, Bernard Reagan, will be in the region soon and North Tyneside are hosting one of his two book launch events.

Mental Health Conference—Emma Parker, Merike Williams
The Equalities Working Party will be meeting in Darlington on the 3rd October and will discuss, among other things, a Mental Health conference day to take place in the region. It will try to offer advice and guidance on teaching and supporting students with mental health concerns and supporting our members with their own concerns.






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