AFT Michigan Unemployment Workshop – April 24 at 1pm
Join us for an hour to learn how to navigate our state’s unemployment system with a focus on higher education non-tenure faculty and specific issues related to this type of employment. If you did not get classes assigned to you this coming semester, you could be eligible for unemployment benefits.
AFT Michigan Policy Conference & Budget Briefing – April 26
Join AFT Michigan for a state budget briefing on Saturday, April 26, from 9 am-noon over Zoom. Leaders will walk away with a clear understanding of the budget process, where we are in this budget cycle, and how we can help advocate for our members and communities in Lansing this spring. Come hear from AFT Michigan’s Political & Legislative Coordinator and state legislators about how our unions can fight and lobby to ensure our state government invests in the work we do and the communities we serve every day.
MEJC Lobby Day – April 29
The Michigan Education Justice Coalition (MEJC) will be hosting their annual Lobby Day on April 29, from 9am – 4pm with breakfast, lunch and snacks provided.
We will meet at the Central United Methodist Church around 9am to go over the schedule for the day. Everyone will be split up into teams and will be assigned Michigan representatives and senators to meet with (or their staff). Additionally we will encourage participants to attend committee hearings related to education. At the end of the day we will debrief and participants should plan to depart around 4pm back home.
MEJC and its community partners are asking for the state government to adequately fund our schools and make key investments in 31 at-risk funds, special education, student mental health, school facilities and English Language Learners. We need parents, caregivers, students, and community members like you to make the case that our students are worth the investment.
We’ll create teams to attend meetings with elected and committee hearings. Each team will have a team lead – you can sign up to be a team lead and we will provide training. The focus of the conversations with our elected leaders and their staff will be around the need for increased funding for our schools to ensure that ALL of our kids have what they need and that school staff can best support ALL of our kids!
Register here! Please make sure to note you are an AFT Michigan member in the access needs box.
May Day Rally and March – May 1
Higher Education Budget Lobby Day – May 14
Join us in Lansing on May 14. The day will run from 10am-3pm with lunch provided.
We will meet at the Michigan AFL-CIO office around 10am to go over the schedule and training for conversations with legislators. You will be split up into teams and be assigned Michigan Representatives and Senators to meet with (or their staff). Additionally we will attend committee hearings, House and/or Senate sessions.
AFT Michigan members are asking for our state government to adequately fund our higher education institutions, defend immigrant students and workers, and stand up in the face of attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion. We need members like you to make the case that our students, institutions and communities are worth the investment.
Join the Michigan Nurses’ Association Capitol Action Day – May 15
Join fellow nurses and healthcare professionals on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 8 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. as we gather in Lansing for the 2025 MNA Capitol Action Day!
At MNA’s Capitol Action Day in Lansing, you will:
- Learn and practice legislative advocacy skills with your peers
- Get tips and insight from legislators
- Take a group photo on the Capitol steps
- Participate in lunch on the Capitol lawn and meetings with elected officials
This event is free for MNA members, students and Retired RNs. The cost is $25 for non-members. Continental breakfast, lunch, a T-shirt and 1 contact hour will be provided. The registration deadline is May 2.
If you have any questions, please contact Caleigh Hunt at caleigh.hunt@minurses.org
REGISTER HERE!Please select “Bargaining Unit or associate member – free”.
AFT Voices: A ‘Cup of Joe’ for Democracy
A good cup of coffee can fill your soul with warmth, comfort and security. It helps start the day on the right foot. Coffee also can bring a community together. Neighbors can meet with their lawmakers over a cup of joe, Macomb ISD Federation of Teachers Special Education Paraprofessional leader Jeff Whittle writes in AFT Voices. These meetups aim to pass along information to constituents, field questions and discuss any plans or bills coming up. They are a great opportunity to meet your representatives and talk with other activists. Where can you learn more about your community and advocate for your profession? At your legislator’s coffee hour. Grab a cup right here
Detroit Mayoral Candidate Forum
Unions are under attack, and we need leaders who are willing to put workers first, not last. Families across Detroit are facing higher costs, stagnant wages, and an economy that’s rigged against us. Here in Detroit, we believe taxpayer-funded investments that make our city prosper should create good union jobs and a better quality of life for ALL of us, not just the wealthy few. We need a mayor who will prioritize working families — and hold special interests that try to tear us down accountable.
On April 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at IBEW Local 58, 1358 Abbott St, Detroit, MI 48226, Metro Detroit AFL-CIO will host the Detroit Mayoral Candidate Forum — and we need you to get involved by RSVPing today https://forms.gle/7eE4QMJcNSrZzqw58!
At the forum you’ll be able to hear directly from the candidates about how they plan to tackle the City’s most pressing issues. This forum is key to making sure that you and Detroit’s labor movement have a voice in the election.
Join the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) on May 10 for the 2025 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive! Each year, letter carriers across the country head out on their routes on the second Saturday in May to collect donations of nonperishable food items to benefit local food pantries. Since launching in 1993, the NALC’s annual program has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive, helping to fill the shelves of food banks in cities and towns throughout the United States.
Simply leave your donation of nonperishable food in a bag near your mailbox on the second Saturday in May, and your letter carrier will do the rest
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students, patients and communities all year round and we need your help. Can you donate $1 a week to aid us in this fight? Please visit the AFT Michigan website to contribute and make a big difference in protecting public education and building a better Michigan future!
AFT Michigan Professional Development Workshop
Mental Health Challenges and First Aid in PreK-14
AFT Michigan – 2661 E Jefferson, Detroit MI
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Mental health challenges affect millions and educators need to recognize students may be experiencing some behaviors that are beyond classroom management strategies.
This workshop will explore the most common mental health challenges in K-14 and the impact on student achievement. Participants will also develop strategies for providing mental health first aid.
Happy Earth Day!
Check out Share MyLesson to explore our curated collection of lesson plans, activities and resources designed to inspire students of all ages to think critically about environmental stewardship. From conservation to sustainability, find tools to celebrate and protect our planet.
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
