AFT Votes Bus Crosses Michigan this Weekend
We had a great weekend with our national leaders on the AFT Votes bus in town:
- In Battle Creek, we hit the doors in support of House Labor Caucus Chair Jim Haadsma
- In Taylor, we had a great rally with lots of national union presidents at the Steelworkers kicking off walks in support of labor-endorsed candidates including our member Janise O’Neil Robinson and Taylor School Board member Kyle Wright
- In Detroit, we worked with AFSCME to knock doors in support of our Detroit School Board candidates and ballot initiatives then hosted a Brothers in Ballots Town Hall at Wayne County Community College
- In Ann Arbor, we hit the doors in the morning with the MEA and then rallied in support of UMMAP and other UM unions in the afternoon
Watch the progress of our union’s bus tour so far. Let’s finish strong and get out the vote.
Please sign up for Red for Ed walks and join the fight to win on November 5th!
How do we elect people who care about workers and our families? By showing up at the polls. Voting early can be a quick and convenient way to make sure voting fits in your schedule. Figure out your voting plan right now, and make your voice heard for pro-worker candidates in 2024. Find labor-endorsed candidates on your ballot at https://miaflcio.vote/.
Click here to find your polling place
Take Your Soles to the Polls Concert and Festival — NAACP Detroit Branch
Higher Ed Labor United Summit at EMU October 22
Our Higher Ed locals in Michigan are all familiar with the rampant abuse of contingent workers, the reliance on outsourcing, the threats to academic freedom, ballooning student debt, administrative bloat and the public’s image of higher education. These problems are bigger than any one local can solve at the bargaining table. Higher Ed Labor United (HELU) joined with AAUP, AFSCME, AFT, CWA, UAW, OPEIU, NEA, Unite Here, and SEIU to publish a letter to the Harris-Walz campaign calling for a focus on funding, access, work conditions, and a Secretary of Education who understands and prioritizes our needs.
To build a state-level movement around these issues, EMUFT is hosting the first Michigan Higher Ed Unity Summit: October 22, 2024, 6 – 8 pm in the Alumni Room (342 McKenny) at Eastern Michigan University. Please use this LINK or the QR code to RSVP.
Fall Leadership Institute – Register Now for Workshops in Leadership Development!
Register now for the upcoming Fall Leadership Institute conference scheduled to take place from November 21st to 23rd.
This conference is designed to provide workshops suitable for both seasoned leaders and individuals aspiring to enhance their leadership skills. The conference features a range of workshops tailored for those aiming to lead within their unions and contribute to the broader labor movement.
Please visit the following link to register online: https://clcs.umd.umich.edu/upcoming-events/2024-fall-leadership-institute
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to connect with us at 313-583-6400.
AFT Michigan Solidarity Sewing – Nov 23
Join us for a fun afternoon of sewing and other fiber crafts on Saturday, November 23, 2024,at 11am to 3pm. Bring your sewing machine, project materials, and snacks to share with your fellow AFT Michigan union siblings. Learn about the union-building work other activists are involved in at their locals and enjoy an afternoon of sewing and crafting.
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!
Early Access Lego Opportunity from First Book
Between October 10-27, those who become a First Book Member for free will receive early access to order LEGO Replay Boxes, variety boxes of bricks and elements with endless possibilities for creativity and imagination, from the First Book Marketplace for just the cost of shipping and handling ($5.93 per box)!
Here’s how to get exclusive access:
Step 1: Sign up with First Book for FREE. If you work in a Title I-eligible school, early childhood program (including Head Start), afterschool program, shelter, clinic, church, or any other organization where at least 70 percent of kids served come from low-income families, you are eligible to become a First Book member.
Step 2: Once registered, you’ll receive an email from First Book on October 28, with the early access link to purchase LEGO Replay Boxes from the First Book Marketplace. Members can order at least 10 boxes for just the cost of shipping and handling.
It’s that easy! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to bring LEGO bricks to the learners in your community.
About LEGO Replay Boxes:
LEGO Replay Boxes contain a variety of high-quality, gently used LEGO bricks in different shapes, sizes, and colors, donated through the LEGO Replay Program. Whether you’re using them in a classroom, after-school program, or community space, these boxes offer an affordable way to bring LEGO bricks to learners of all ages and foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving through hands-on play.
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
