CFT members inspire as Back to School Tour wraps up
The main part of the CFT Back to School Tour wrapped up this week with another set of stellar visits throughout the state. Stops this week included Santa Cruz, where CFT leaders got to meet with both certificated and classified members who work in the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District (pictured above). Next up was Compton Community College, where leaders also met with faculty and classified staff.
CFT leaders also got a chance to attend a rally and speak out at the board of trustees meeting with part-time faculty in Cerritos, and to take part in the launch of a Classified Rising campaign with AFT Local 1521a. Look for more on both of these events in future publications.
As the school year has gotten underway, CFT leaders have connected with hundreds of members at sixteen local unions. According to CFT President Jeff Freitas, each meeting has been inspiring.
“At every school, college, and campus that we visited, CFT members continue to demand the pay, respect, and working conditions they need to do their work,” says Jeff. “What was also universal was the reason they showed up every day: their students.”
Take action for healthy, sustainable, and climate friendly schools
Please take a moment to sign the CFT letter urging Governor Newsom to sign SB 1182 to create a Statewide Master Plan for Healthy, Sustainable, and Climate-Resilient Schools. As California’s climate changes and extreme weather events such as heat, smoke, and flooding intensify, our aging public school infrastructure is increasingly unable to provide a healthy and safe learning environment. This threatens our health and safety as teachers and school staff and has serious, life altering impacts on our students. Sign the letter today, urging Governor Newsom to create this critical plan for the future of our schools and our students.
For more critical legislation on the Governor’s desk you can help advocate for, click here.
AFT Get-Out-the-Vote Election Bus Tour hits California next week
Earlier this month the AFT launched a cross-country, multi-city election bus tour to get out the vote and highlight the pivotal issues facing America this November. The bus will roll through California next week with stops in Costa Mesa, Los Angeles, Fresno, and San Francisco. Look for updates on CFT and AFT social accounts.
Ready to volunteer for the election? AFT is offering regular member-to-member phonebanks into battleground states and districts, and you can sign up here.
We have also just launched our Educator’s Choice Voter Guide, with voting recommendations for state and local races, including initiatives, school boards, and more. Make sure to take a look as you are doing your research for your November ballot.
Nominate an outstanding high school counselor today for the Marmaduke High School Counselor Award
Each year the California Student Aid Commission recognizes a California high school counselor who effectively serves students in preparing for and pursuing their higher education. Know a great counselor you think is deserving of the award? Nominate them today! Submissions are due Thursday, October 31.
