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. This year, we were lucky enough to be joined by AAUP national President Todd Wolfson, who helped lead a great discussion on building power across units and constituencies. In addition, we celebrated the six new locals who won first contracts this past year: Alliance of Resident Physicians 5155, Michigan School of Psychology Alliance of Teachers 6618, Resident & Fellow Alliance 5157, UM-Flint AFT/AAUP 5671, United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals 6793, and Washtenaw Educational Options Consortium Federation of Teachers 6636! MSU Extension educators (Union of Non Tenure-track Faculty 1855) and UM staff (University Staff United 284), who are currently negotiating their first contracts, were recognized as well. Particularly with so much uncertainty in the world today, it was great to gather and build solidarity with so many great union activists.
AFT Michigan Union Building Institute – October 6-9
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 union member? Worksite leaders and members are invited to sign up for various virtual sessions designed to develop skills and build on existing knowledge and skills around core union capacities throughout the week of October 6. Sessions are focused on core areas of AFT Michigan’s Power Wheel and include the following:
Workplace Leader 101 – Monday, October 6, 2025
As a building representative or department steward you are a “mini-president” — the “face of the union” in your worksite. Members rely on you for communication about union events, updates, and actions. Members also turn to you for support with worksite issues. Join us to learn about and reflect on the core skills that make a strong union leader.
Contract Enforcement 101 – Tuesday, October 7, 2025
We work hard to win strong contracts, let’s make sure we enforce them! Knowing your contract and understanding the process of handling worksite issues can help members find solutions and build power. In this session, participants will define grievances and work their way through a case study to help demystify the process of contract enforcement.
Using Lists and Maps to Organize Your Workplace – Wednesday, October 8, 2025
All good organizing starts with a great list! Join us for an evening with AFT Michigan’s very own list-guy, Dan Kukuk, to learn how a well organized list can support your ability to reach out to colleagues about upcoming union events and issues. We’ll also spend some time discussing how elections play an important role in setting policies and conditions that impact educators, students, and communities with Political Coordinator, Jenell Mansfield. Come find out how lists and worksite conversations are crucial in moving members to action in upcoming 2024 elections!
The One-on-One Conversation – Thursday, October 9, 2025
Want to talk to your colleagues about issues in your workplace or invite them to the next union meeting, but not sure how to start? This training is for you! Come join our 90 minute session on 1:1 conversations that move your colleagues to action. Whether it’s asking a potential member to sign a union card, talking to an unsure member about an upcoming board meeting, or moving a busy colleague towards being more active in your union, this training will leave you feeling confident in your organizing conversation skills!
All sessions are over Zoom and begin at 5 PM. Register ataftmichigan.org/eventstoday!
AFT Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Conference, October 10-12 in Detroit!
As the threats of fascism, authoritarianism and political violence intensify across the U.S., the urgency for action has never been clearer. In the face of book bans, anti-democratic policies, and attacks on historically marginalized communities, educators and unions must once again rise as democracy’s first responders.
The 2025 AFT Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Conference marks a critical turning point. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, we recognize this moment as the first major national inflection point to turn the tide on policy, reclaim public institutions, and push back against the growing infrastructure of repression. This conference will equip AFT locals with the tools to meet that moment head-on—with strategy, solidarity, and a commitment to long-term power-building.
Participants will engage through three core training tracks that reflect the challenges and opportunities of this moment:
- Communications Training—Disrupting disinformation and reclaiming public narrative, by use of social media tools
- Political Training—Advancing democracy at the ballot box and building durable civic power
- MOVE (Mobilize. Organize. Vote. Empower.) Training—for grassroots resistance, cross-sector coalition-building, and union-based movement work
Click here to register for the 2025 AFT Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Conference.
Scholarships are available – contact mmukherjee@aftmichigan.org if you’re interested.
‘No Kings Day’ – Saturday, Oct. 18
As the Trump administration escalates its attacks on our rights, including our basic civil rights and our rights to vote and to govern ourselves, millions are rising up again to say: “No Kings.” On Saturday, Oct. 18, the growing No Kings movement will take to the streets once more to demand dignity, defend our communities and reject authoritarianism in all its forms.
Thank Your Lawmakers for Standing Up for Healthcare
The Republican majority has refused to negotiate with congressional Democrats about a solution that would protect millions of Americans from imminent healthcare cuts included in the “big, ugly bill.” Nearly 3 million people will lose access to Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage because the bill fails to renew premium tax credits enabling access. Republicans also refused to add language that would prevent the administration from undoing negotiated agreements later and rescinding funds. It appears that Republicans would rather shut down the government than protect Americans from rising healthcare costs. Our lawmakers need to hear from us. Thank them for standing firm against these attacks on our healthcare, and encourage them to keep fighting.
Vital Lessons: Separate Fact from Fiction: Childhood Health & Vaccines this School Year
As the 2025–26 school year unfolds, families and educators are once again navigating conflicting messages about childhood vaccines and health. With myths spreading quickly online, it’s harder than ever to know what’s fact and what’s fiction. That’s why we’re bringing trusted experts to cut through the noise.
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m. EDT, join Drs. Vin Gupta and Demetre Daskalakis for a candid conversation, moderated by AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick Ingram.
Register now for this free, for-credit webinar.
AFT Michigan Professional Development Workshop
Approaches for Student Academic Development
Saturday, October 11, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
AFT Michigan – David Hecker Building
2661 E. Jefferson – Detroit 48207
This in-service is designed to encourage educators to examine their current teaching strategies.
By rethinking learning strategies through guided reflection that can enhance students’ academic outcomes.
Click herefor more information and to register.
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!
Learn more about the trauma counseling program by visiting members.aft.org/members/login
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
