I highly recommend the book, “The Woketopus: The Dark Money Cabal Manipulating the Federal Government” by Tyler O’Neil. This post is inspired by Chapter 2 concerning the role that teachers’ unions play in funneling money to support the woke agenda, all while the majority of their membership remains unaware of this political network.
In the world of education, teachers’ unions are often seen as the backbone of support for educators, advocating for better working conditions, salaries, and educational policies. However, beneath this benevolent facade might lie a complex network of political funding that many union members are unaware of. Here’s a closer look at how America’s two largest teachers’ unions are using their members’ dues in ways that could surprise or even alienate them.
The National Education Association (NEA):
The NEA, with its 3 million members, is not just a union but a significant player in political funding. From 2019 to 2021, the NEA disbursed:
- $420,000 to the Sixteen Thirty Fund, known for its role in the left-leaning dark money network.
- Over $1 million to Amalgamated Bank and its charitable foundation, which in turn supports progressive causes.
- $424,000 to the AFL-CIO, connecting to broader labor movement politics.
The NEA’s political contributions are starkly one-sided:
- $2.44 million going to Democrats compared to a mere
- $64,830 to Republicans.
This includes substantial support for Biden’s campaign while virtually ignoring Trump’s.
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT):
The AFT, with 1.72 million members, follows a similar pattern:
Contributions to the New Venture Fund and Sixteen Thirty Fund, amounting to significant sums over recent years. Support for advocacy groups like the Center for American Progress, Tides Advocacy, and others known for their progressive stances. In 2020, AFT’s political donations were overwhelmingly in favor of Democrats:
- $2.54 million donated compared to a minuscule
- $7,002 for Republicans.
These figures illustrate a clear funding bias towards liberal political agendas, raising questions about the transparency and alignment of union activities with the political views of all its members.
The Call for Transparency:
Teachers, who are primarily focused on the welfare of students and the integrity of education, might find themselves unwittingly funding a “Woketopus” — a term coined to describe the expansive, sometimes obscure network of political influence funded by union dues.
Here’s what union members can do:
Demand Transparency: Members have the right to know where their money is going. Asking for detailed breakdowns of union expenditures can shed light on how funds are used.
Consider Alternatives: If the political activities of the union do not align with personal beliefs, members might consider exploring or supporting alternative organizations or even opting out of union membership where legally possible.
Engage in Union Governance: Active participation in union meetings, voting in union elections, and running for office within the union can influence how unions operate and spend.
The role of teachers’ unions in American politics is a subject that requires much more scrutiny. Teachers who join these unions primarily for professional support might be surprised or concerned to learn about these political activities. As education continues to be a battleground for ideological conflicts, understanding and potentially influencing the political use of union dues could be a critical step in aligning union activities with the collective will of its members.
To kill this aspect of the Woketopus it needs to die of ten thousand (or 4.72 million members) small cuts. One member at a time needs to hold their union accountable for the dues they pay. A defunded union or an accountable one is needed!
If the union is undercutting your values, what sense is there in participating?
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