ORTESOL

Sociopolitical Special Interest Group (SIG)

Statement of Purpose

The Sociopolitical SIG is comprised of ORTESOL members who are concerned about social and political issues related to the profession and wish to take action.   The SIG provides a forum for sharing information, discussion, and advocacy.   The SIG seeks to advance the cause of learners, teachers, and the profession through collaboration with the other ORTESOL SIGs.

Activities

• Serve as the political advocacy wing of ORTESOL in a way that preserves the non-profit status of the organization.
• Support the purposes and concerns of ORTESOL's other SIGs and translate them into action.
• Collaborate with the other SIG Chairs and members in advocacy, which could include issuing position papers, letter writing campaigns, demonstrations, lobbying, etc.
• Coordinate with the Workshop Coordinator to arrange workshops addressing social and political issues, their causes and consequences, and potential solutions.
• Complete an annual survey of the SIG membership to identify salient issues, needs, problems, and projects.   Develop an action plan based on the results.   Carry out projects or sponsor events.   Report back to membership.
• Have a presence at the annual ORTESOL conference.   Set up a table to provide information about the SIG to current and potential members.   Convene for an organizational meeting.   Present on important socio-political issues related to TESOL during regular sessions.
• Contribute articles, interviews, resources, updates, and announcements to every edition of the ORTESOL Newsletter .
• Host a webpage with information about SIG activities and announcements.
• Maintain a SIG listserv to foster communication, coordinate projects, make announcements, and discuss important social, political, and pedagogical issues.
• Keep in touch with the TESOLers for Social Responsibility Caucus and provide local support to their activities.

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