Members of the Bay Shore Classroom Teachers Association pointed, clicked and printed their way to better community relations.

Hoping to raise the local's visibility among residents, the group used grant money from NYSUT's Solidarity Fund to purchase a pair of digital cameras, printers, photo paper, ink and 1,000 custom-printed frames to shoot and print out digital photos of community members at an April event.

Photos were encased in cardboard frames featuring the slogan, "Smile if you support education."

Photo ops

"Everyone loved getting an on-the-spot photo of family and friends, and the frame was a constant reminder that it came from the teachers union, " said Darlene Darch, who heads the 520-member local on Long Island's South Shore. "Ours was the last booth to close. "

The local set up shop at the town's Community Summit Meeting, an annual day-long event featuring booths and a forum where residents voice concerns and learn of new developments. The local snapped and distributed about 500 framed photos during the event; an ongoing PowerPoint presentation showcased members' volunteer efforts.

"We saw this as a wonderful opportunity to highlight the accomplishments and contributions of our teachers, both in the schools and out in the community, " Darch said.

Plans are already under way for a repeat performance next year. "Everything worked out great, " said Darch. "We heard a lot of positive comments from residents. "

Local unions wishing to apply for a NYSUT solidarity grant should contact the office of NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin at (800) 342-9810, ext. 6606.

 Kara E. Smith