Governor Vetoes HB 5405 and SB 687
Last week the Governor vetoed HB 5405 and SB 687 which would create a voucher-like program via a complicated tax credit scholarship system. We will continue to fight alongside her to protect funding for public schools.
LEO and GEO Members Join Kellogg’s Picket Line
The Huron Valley Area Labor Federation took a delegation of Washtenaw members (including people from LEO and GEO) to Battle Creek in support of striking Kellogg’s workers this weekend. HVALF President Ian Robinson reports that, despite the snow, spirits remain high and the strikers committed.
AFT’s Kathy White Honored
Congratulations to AAUP-AFT Local 6075 member Kathy White who will be inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor on November 19. A professor of law at Wayne State University, Brigadier General White’s military service has spanned over thirty years, beginning when Kathy joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a law student. Kathy is the first female African-American general officer in the Michigan Army National Guard and currently serves as Deputy Commanding General of the 46th Military Police Command in Lansing. During the pandemic, Kathy has helped lead the Reserve’s work in keeping California and Michigan communities safe. Kathy also serves as a member of the University of Michigan Board of Regents, where she is a strong supporter of UM students, employees and their unions.
Journalist Danny Fenster has been freed from a Myanmar jail after serving nearly six months. His release comes just days after being sentenced to eleven years of hard labor. Danny is a former member of two of our Wayne State locals–the Graduate Employees Organizing Committee and the Union of Part-Time Faculty. HIs release was a result of much work on the part of many human rights organizations, Congressman Andy Levin, and most recently former Ambassador Bill Richardson. At the request of AFT Michigan, our national union weighed in numerous times in various ways to help free Danny. Welcome home Danny.
Nominate a Colleague Doing Great Things for Our Member Spotlight Program
We are committed to highlighting the amazing work members from across our constituencies do every day for their colleagues, students, communities, and our union. To make sure more people hear their stories, we are launching a Member Spotlight Program and need your help. Follow the link to our website and fill out the form to nominate an AFT Michigan member to be recognized for what they do at work, in the community, or our union!
COVID Workplace Issues Symposium
The Center for Labor and Community Studies at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is presenting a free seminar on zoom Saturday, December 4, from 10am to noon: What can your employer require of you in terms of vaccination and other COVID workplace safety measures? Come hear the lowdown from our very own Mark Cousens and ask your questions at this free symposium open to all.
Vaccination Rights: Are Employer Mandates Lawful?
December 4, 2021, from 10 am to 12 am
Online Zoom meeting at https://umich.zoom.us/j/92264126364
Call in number: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 922 6412 6364
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students and communities all year round and we need your help. Can you donate $52 a year to elect more candidates who share our values? Please visit https://aftmichigan.org/pac/ and set up a recurring gift. For as little as $1 a week, YOU can make a big difference in protecting public education and building a better Michigan future!
| Workshop | Date | Start | End |
| Worksite Structure Planning Workshop | Tuesday, November 16, 2021 | 7:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| Treasurer Tuesday: Financial Reports & IRS Compliance | Tuesday, November 16, 2021 | 7:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| Treasurer Tuesday: AFT Legal Defense Fund & Local Insurances | Tuesday, November 30, 2021 | 7:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
The AFT Michigan Administrative Board has created five working groups to help push forward our work in priority areas that have emerged from, and cut across, our Constituency Committees, and we are looking for members to add your expertise and passion to the groups (listed below, with target constituencies we will seek to involve):
- Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline (All Constituencies)
- Increasing the Number of Black Educators in Michigan (All Constituencies)
- Support Staff-to-Teacher Pathways (PreK-12 Support Staff, Teachers, Special Ed/ISD)
- Converting Part-time to Full-time Faculty (NonTenure-Track Faculty, Tenure-Track Faculty)
- New Deal for Higher Ed: Fighting Back Against Austerity Budgeting (Grads, NonTenure-Track Faculty, Tenure-Track Faculty & Academic Staff)
Each group will begin with an Assessment Phase before moving toward recommending action steps to the AFT Michigan Administrative Board. Time commitments are flexible and will vary depending on the project and timeline. See descriptions of each group’s scope of work and interest sign up forms at https://aftmichigan.org/join-an-aft-michigan-working-group/.
Professional Development
AFT Michigan
Facilitating the Learning Environment: Flow Vibe and Agency
Saturday, December 4, 2021
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
In this workshop participants will take on the role of a conductor (symphony orchestra) as they explore ways to facilitate an equitable and just learning environment, provide structure for self-regulation and foster student agency, where all learners progress.
Click here to register.
AFT
Upcoming Webinars
Tips and Tricks for Saving Time with Share My Lesson, Nov. 16, at 5 p.m. EST
Have you explored the new Share My Lesson website yet? We’ve made a lot of changes and improvements. Join Kelly Booz, Director of Share My Lesson to get the inside scoop on how to save time, minimize stress, have some fun, and find exactly what you need on the new Share My Lesson website. We’ll also share some tips and tricks for getting the most out of our newest features.
Strengthening and Sustaining the Educator Workforce: Now More Than Ever, Nov. 18, noon to 1 p.m. EST
Cross-institutional relationships are more important than ever in the wake of the isolation and disruption caused by the pandemic. Effective partnerships are complex and require intentional structures, dedicated resources, and shared goals and values. Please join the Educator Preparation Laboratory (EdPrepLab) for the Virtual Fall Forum, which will highlight research-based best practices in creating and supporting these types of partnerships. The forum will feature EdPrepLab district partners working to build and sustain high-quality partnerships that strengthen and professionalize the educator workforce.
Mindfulness and Yoga with Grand Love, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. EST
Returning after her successful wellness session earlier this year, DeAnn Albertson-Fontanella is hosting a yoga session for Share My Lesson members. Join us to connect with your inner self through asanas, breath and meditation. Albertson-Fontanella will share how she practices yoga with adults and children; and the session will include a 30-minute chair yoga practice that is gentle for everyone and can be modified for all abilities. Mindful moments and self-care strategies will also be shared. Note: This session is not available for credit. COMING SOON: This new session is just a sampling of what’s to come! We’ll be hosting even more free health and well-being sessions starting in January. After you register for this one, we’ll be sure to let you know as soon as the new series opens for registration.
In solidarity,
David Hecker, President
