GOTV Phonebanking for Reps. Beth Meyers and Nick Milroy
News
UW-Green Bay United members to hold state legislative candidate GOTV event
UWGB-United (AFT #6511) members and supports will convene on October 20 at 6:30pm to text/call friends and family members in the Green Bay Area to make sure they vote for AFT-Wisconsin endorsed candidates Jonathon Hansen, Kristin Lyerly, and Kristina Shelton. All three candidates have also been invited to drop by to say hello to UWGB faculty and staff, too! You do not need to be a member of the union to join in the fun.
‘Back to school’ like never before
In her September New York Times column, AFT President Randi Weingarten says that going back to school has never looked like it does now. Weingarten explains that because of President Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus, which has been chaotic, contradictory and inept, and the lack of federal guidance and funding, we’re seeing a patchwork of school reopening plans across the country.
AFT-Wisconsin Higher Education Council Issues Statement on the Anti-Democratic UW System President Search
The AFT-WIsconsin Higher Education Council has unanimously adopted a statement on the UW System President search. It reads, in part:
AFT-Wisconsin and WEAC Issue Joint "Safe Return to Work" Platform for WTCS
AFT-Wisconsin has sent a "Safe Return to Campus" platform to the WTCS Board, identifying best practices for campuses planning to reopen. Created over the course of a month by AFT-Wisconsin and Wisconsin Education Association Council member leaders, this joint document focuses on how we can deliver effective and equitable educational services, keep students and staff healthy, and create safe environments for all staff and students.
AFTW Hosts Town Hall on the Future of the UW System with Governor Tony Evers
AFT-Wisconsin hosted a candid conversation about the state of the UW System and how faculty, staff, and students are dealing with these uncertain times. Featuring Governor Tony Evers, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), state Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point), and Regent Karen Walsh, the meeting shared strategies for how we ensure a future UW that prioritizes the needs of students, security for faculty and staff, and the Wisconsin Idea.
Interested in learning more? Please reach out to AFTW VP of Higher Education Jon Shelton at jonshelton24@gmail.com.
AFT members dive into candidate endorsement process
As the presidential elections inch closer and the field of candidates gets more and more competitive, AFT members are engaging, parsing campaign platforms, asking questions of the candidates, and voicing their priorities as educators, healthcare practitioners and public employees. Thus far, the AFT has hosted eight AFT Votes town halls in eight different locations across the country, giving members the opportunity to meet candidates in person and hear about their stands on education, working families, healthcare and other top-line issues. Also part of the AFT’s robust endorsement process: surveys, debate parties and lots of information on AFTVotes.org.
Weingarten: Educators must save democracy
“Teachers have always had power,” AFT President Randi Weingarten told the crowd at the TEACH opening plenary Thursday afternoon. “We need to own our power. And we need to build our power so we can move our agenda—for our students and our families; for safe, welcoming and well-funded public schools; for affordable higher education; healthcare that is a right, not a privilege; a living wage; a decent retirement; a healthy climate and a strong democracy.”