I grew up in a neighboring school district and now teach in a district that is smaller. Therefore, many of the people I work with are connectors because they have been in this area for as long as i have. The beauty and sometimes the crutch is that everyone knows everyone in the Ark Valley. I myself would be a Maven in the fact that I love to research and help others out. Our school district has some salesman, but most of them also fall under the Connector.
In my school district, we only have two people (myself and one other Elementary teacher) in the Union. Building membership in my district is difficult because the teachers don't see a need to belong to a union. But as budget cuts persist, I see the advantage of being protected with the cuts of salary and furlough days.
The problem with me building a local plan is that I am not a salesman and I am not a connector. Although I understand the theories and principals of Gladwell's, I am William Dawes of the Paul Revere story. :(. I am a Maven. I can tell people why it would be good for them, but i cant get them to buy in to the idea of the Union. In my 5 years, I have made several attempts to persuade my co-workers. In the other schools I have worked, joining the local chapter wasn't really an option. Growing up I knew how important the union was because both my parents were very active in LJEA...I never had any doubt and I looked at it as a wise investment into my future career.
