Northcoast Early Childhood Workers celebrate union work
Earlier this month, two dozen early childhood educators met in Arcata, California to celebrate and recognize the contribution of CFT union members from two of our northmost counties, Humboldt and Del Norte. Members of Northcoast Early Childhood Workers, AFT Local 6397, were joined by CFT leaders Jeff Freitas, Lacy Barnes, Juan Ramirez, and CFT EC-TK/12 Council President Steve McDougall.
AFT Local 6397 members work at 32 different work sites for Northcoast Children Services (an agency comprising Head Start, Early Head Start, and State Preschool programs). As with other early childhood programs throughout the state, exceptionally high staff turnover, lack of qualified staff, safety concerns, and issues surrounding pay and affordable medical insurance are pressing and consistent concerns. Those issues are complicated by the vast area of their turf, over 5,000 square miles.
And so, the Saturday event earlier this month was a chance to get together to recognize and express appreciation for the work of the early childhood educators who are raising their voices and doing the good work of the union.
According to AFT Local 6397 President Julie Oakes, “We were honored and appreciative to have our CFT leaders present. Each CFT leader sat at a different table – which allowed us to get to know them. Their participation in the recognition of the members who were present made it extra meaningful. We left feeling a stronger connection to the greater CFT and knowing they are our allies."
The CFT Classified Day of Action is next Tuesday in Sacramento
Next week school communities across the country will celebrate Classified Appreciation Week, a time to honor the hard-working and dedicated classified staff who serve as vital supports for students and educators, and who keep our schools running.
There is no better way to recognize the critical work of classified staff than to travel up to Sacramento next Tuesday to take part in our Classified Day of Action. Under the theme No class without classified: Filling the gaps to educate California students, we will gather on the west steps of the State Capitol from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to celebrate.
Hope to see you there! RSVP here.
Apply now for CFT scholarships for continuing college students
June 15 is the deadline to apply for the CFT Raoul Teilhet scholarships for continuing college students who are children or dependents of CFT members in good standing. Students enrolled in four-year courses of study are eligible for $3,000 scholarships; those enrolled in two-year programs are eligible for $1,000.
For a link to the scholarships, and other scholarships available to CFT members and their dependents, please see the CFT scholarships web page.
May is Labor History Month
In large part through the efforts of CFT activists, May is designated as Labor History Month in California. Its purpose is to encourage schools, “to commemorate this month with appropriate educational exercises that make pupils aware of the role the labor movement has played in shaping California and the United States.”
To carry out the spirit of the law, members of the CFT Labor and Climate Justice Education Committee have created invaluable curricula that are FREE to download. Details here.
