Building the Union at CFT Summer School
This week over 120 union leaders, activists, trainers, and guests took part in the annual CFT Summer School. Held this year at the Asilomar campus in Pacific Grove, the week-long intensive training was an opportunity for new and veteran leaders to build the union, sharpen skills, and strategize for the future.
Tracks at this year’s training included contract campaigns, organizing, politics, and the ever-popular crash course for new presidents and leaders.
Thanks to all those who took part in CFT Summer School this week. We can’t wait to see all the great union work in the coming year!
Pictured above, CFT members from throughout the state take part in the contract campaigns training.
UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz recognized in LA Times series LA Influential
Earlier this week the Los Angeles Times recognized UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz in its new series L.A. Influential, which features "the changemakers who are shaping every cultural corner of Los Angeles."
"Myart-Cruz, who taught in elementary and middle schools before becoming a full-time union officer, is excited about the growth of community schools, which bring together the district, unions, parents, other government entities and community groups around student needs, including healthcare, mental health services and tutoring," wrote reporter Howard Blume.
Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition Cecily!
AB 1955, the SAFETY Act, heads to Governor Newsom’s desk
This week CFT-supported AB 1955, also known as the SAFETY Act, overwhelmingly passed out of the California State Senate and is now on the Governor’s desk. When signed into law, the SAFETY Act will do three things: Prohibit school districts from implementing forced outing policies, provide resources for parents and students to navigate conversations around gender and identity on their own terms, and ensure teachers, counselors, and school staff are not retaliated against for refusing to forcibly out a student.
News in Brief
State budget deal Includes critical school funding and layoff protections. Last Saturday, California’s elected leaders announced a budget deal that includes critical funding and protections for public education. “In reaching an agreement regarding the 2024-2025 state budget, Governor Newsom and the California Legislature have once again shown their firm commitment to protecting public education in California,” said CFT President Jeff Freitas in a statement. Details here.
AFT LGTBQIA+ Task Force meets. Earlier this month the AFT’s LGBTQIA+ Task Force met in Florida to continue the union’s work of supporting the LGTBQIA+ communities throughout the country. The task force, which is co-chaired by CFT President Jeff Freitas, discussed contract language, school policies, and other supports for members and students. In addition to his work on the task force, Freitas also attended two Pride events hosted by the Biden Administration, one at the Vice President’s residence and one at the White House.
Personal finance course to be graduation requirement by 2030-2031 school year. This week the California Legislature passed AB 2927, which will require a personal finance course as a requirement for high school graduation as of the 2030-31 school year. The bill, which Governor Newsom has promised to sign into law, replaces an initiative which was set to be on the November ballot. Details here.
