State Board of Canvassers Approves “Let MI Kids Learn” for Signature Collection
Today the State Board of Canvassers approved the “Let MI Kids Learn” petition for signature collection. This initiative would create a complicated tax-credit scholarship system that would siphon hundreds of millions of dollars away from public education by allowing tax free dollars to be used to fund private and religious education. The use of public money, either directly or indirectly, like this petition calls for, is unconstitutional. This petition would need roughly 340,000 signatures to be placed on the ballot. However, if the signatures are achieved the legislature can approve the initiative without the Governor’s involvement, rather than have it on the November 2022 ballot. If this was done, it would mean 340,000 voters are circumventing the 2.26 million who voted for Governor Whitmer. We are committed to the equitable and fair funding of public education and will advocate to stop this measure.
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
NLRB: Amazon Violated Labor Law
The Regional Director for the National Labor Relations Board has ruled that Amazon violated federal law during its campaign against unionization of its Alabama warehouse facility. Amazon can appeal the decision to the full National Labor Relations Board which is a majority President Biden appointees and will probably concur with the Regional Director. Elections matter.
The Amazon workers are organizing with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.
Congrats to Scott Barnett (HFCCFT 1650)!!
Henry Ford Community College Fed of Teacher member Scott Barnett was awarded the Teaching Excellence Award by the Michigan Affiliate of the American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges. This award is well-deserved recognition for his outstanding teaching at Henry Ford College. Congratulations Scott!
https://www.hfcc.edu/news/2021/hfcs-scott-barnett-wins-teaching-excellence-award
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!
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!
Upcoming Union-Building Workshops
| Workshop | Date | Start | End |
| Treasurer Tuesday: AFT Legal Defense Fund & Local Insurances | Tuesday, November 30, 2021 | 7:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| AFT Member Benefits | Wednesday, December 1, 2021 | 5:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Treasurers’ Council | Tuesday, December 7, 2021 | 7:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| Media Relations 101 | Wednesday, December 8, 2021 | 5:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
Join an AFT Michigan Working Group
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.
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.
Winter Holidays
The season we know as winter has a diverse meaning throughout world cultures and traditions, what does it mean to your students and their respective communities? Winter traditions –whether it’s celebrating family, the new year or just a simple meal together – bring us together and remind us what we have in common instead of what divides us. Celebrate inclusivity and community this season and share these curated prek-12 winter holiday activities and lessons including things like:
- Culturally Responsive Instruction Tip Sheet for Holidays
- Grief Resources for Teachers
- Statistics and Toy Manufacturing
Explore new ways to teach your students about cherished traditions and meanings from multiple perspectives with these special Share My Lesson’s winter resources.
In solidarity,
David Hecker, President
