AFT Michigan Leaders Kick Off the Year at Fall Summit
An amazing group of leaders–including officers, worksite leaders, and retirees–from locals around the state gathered in Dearborn Saturday for our annual Fall Leadership Summit. The day was kicked off by our next Governor, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who answered questions and talked about the importance of all of us getting involved in this election. We then spent time in our constituencies discussing our policy priorities before drilling down on skill-building in the afternoon. Thank you to everyone who participated and made the day such a success.
Union Building Institute for Worksite Leaders- October 5-6, 5:30-6:30 PM
Are you a workplace leader looking to develop your union leadership skills? Wondering where to start when it comes to being a building representative, steward, or engaged union member? Workplace leaders and members are invited to sign up for various virtual sessions designed to support members develop skills and build on existing knowledge and skills around core union capacities throughout the week of October 5th. Sessions are focused on core areas of AFT Michigan’s Power Wheel and include skills you can take back to your workplace the next day around organizing, communicating, and representing your colleagues!
All UBI sessions are over Zoom starting at 5:30 PM. Learn more about them and register at aftmichigan.org/events.
Sign up for Red for Ed Walks
Join us as we canvass to support pro-public education candidates around the state. If you are interested in joining an upcoming canvass, please reach out to tsparks@aftmichigan.org or jware@aftmichigan.org or register using the links above to get involved.
No Kings Day – Saturday, Oct 17
Working people know the power we have when we come together–at the bargaining table, in our communities and at the ballot box.
On October 17, join AFT members and millions across the country for the next No Kings nationwide day of action.
Join us: go.aft.org/nokings
Become a Democracy Defender Today!
This year, the threat of election interference is real and serious. It won’t be enough to vote for candidates who can deliver on our policy goals; we’ll also have to fight to ensure our votes count. AFT is asking every local to designate a point person for election protection through the Democracy Defenders program. Talk with your local leaders, then identify your point person to your AFT Michigan Field Rep or Constituency Coordinator.
AFT recently joined a coalition of unions and allies to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to prevent the Department of Homeland Security from deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal law enforcement to polling places.
The goal in this lawsuit is to ensure all those eligible to vote, particularly those protected under our civil rights laws, can access the ballot box free from coercion and interference. For these midterms, we are doing everything we can to reassure Americans that voting is safe and secure.
Read more about the lawsuit here.
Hispanic Heritage Month
This week, we’re looking at the stories, experiences and relationships that shape learning—from Hispanic heritage and bilingual books to digital well-being and lessons learned over 25 years in the classroom.
Bring Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) into the classroom through stories, history and culture. Find lessons and activities that highlight the diverse experiences and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
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!
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
