October 7, 2019
Fairview Membership Grows
Since the beginning of this academic year the Fairview Federation of Teachers has increased its teacher membership from 59% to 82%. The local continues to strengthen their membership through hard work and 1on1 conversations. The team has a well scripted dialogue explaining the benefits of union membership, what the dues go toward, how PAC works, and how vital a strong local membership is for supporting our local ambitions for change as well as our state mission. The key is to circle back around to folks often with a friendly conversation of employment and union related issues. Never stop asking. Congrats on great work.
Detroit Teachers Membership Numbers Climbing
Since mid-September, seventy-eight teachers have joined the Detroit Federation of Teachers. Forty-three are brand new members. Thirty-five were former members who rejoined. With the leadership of DFT President Terrence Martin and the guidance of AFT Michigan’s Gail Spencer, DFT’s two Organizing Fellows are in the schools having the needed conversations, the only way to achieve this kind of growth. Starting Monday, the Detroit Paras will also have an Organizing Fellow. These three organizers will be talking with all AFT represented employees (Teachers, Paras and Office Employees) who are not yet members of their union. Great work.
Register for AFT Michigan’s Union Building Institute
Join us at the University of Michigan in Dearborn as we kick-off our 2019-2020 Union Building Institute (UBI). AFT Michigan’s UBI program is intended for all AFT Michigan members, with a focus on local leaders who want to:
- Attend a 101-level workshop in one of the four Power Wheel categories, or
- Participate in a more advanced workshop on building up the internal structures of their union.
Please click here to register and for additional information about the conference, hotel accommodations, and mileage reimbursement.
Upcoming Professional Development
How to Build on Students’ Cultural Strength
November 2, 2019
8:30-4:00 p.m.
Dearborn Federation of Teachers Office
15250 Mercantile Dr. – Dearborn, MI
This workshop will help educators understand some of the most powerful cultural differences that can lead to classroom conflict for many students and how to capitalize on these differences to make the classroom a harmonious and productive learning environment.
AFT Michigan members will receive 6 SCECHs after completion of this course.
Click here to register.
In Solidarity,
David Hecker, President
