CFT members are doing the hard work to win this election
A shout out to all of the CFT members across the state who are taking a stand for our schools and our democracy by volunteering for the election. In every corner of the state CFT members are precinct walking and phone banking for the candidates and ballot measures that are critical to the success of our schools and to the well-being of our communities.
Included in that group is the Peralta Federation of Teachers, pictured above at a phonebank this week at the Alameda Labor Council, where they contacted voters in support of Paulina Gonzalez, their endorsed candidate for their district’s board of trustees.
As anxiety grows about the election, member volunteers are reporting how much better they feel making a contribution than sitting on the sidelines. This holds true for the swing state work to help elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the work to flip Congressional seats in California, as well as the work for state and local initiatives and candidates.
And there are plenty of ways to get involved in the coming days:
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Saturday, October 26 – 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. – Neighborhood walk in Corona to turn out union voters in support of Will Rollins for Congress [RSVP]
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Monday, October 28 – 3:00-5:00 p.m. – Call AFT members in swing states [RSVP]
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Monday, October 28 – 5:00 p.m. – Join higher ed workers and students from across the country to rally our combined energy around a progressive vision of higher education endorsed by CFT. [RSVP]
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Tuesday, October 29 – 3:00-5:00 p.m. – Call AFT members in swing states [RSVP]
Follow up with your local union for other opportunities near you, or sign up for a volunteer shift with the AFT or with your local labor council.
Proposition 2 would raise $10 billion for our schools
There are many important initiatives on our statewide ballot, but perhaps none more important for our schools than Proposition 2, which would raise $10 billion in general obligation bonds for repair, upgrade, and construction of K-12 and community college facilities. In California, 38% of students attend a public school that fails to meet minimum health standards, and Prop. 2 is essential to ensure we can fund the urgent repairs needed at local schools and protect kids from toxics like mold, asbestos, and lead paint and ensure clean drinking water. All Prop. 2 funds go to local schools, without raising taxes.
Recent polling shows Prop. 2 is only narrowly leading, so make sure you spread the word about how critical this funding is for our schools.
For more on the ballot, take a look at the CFT Educators Choice Voter Guide for union-endorsed local and statewide candidates and initiatives.
More great election stories in our latest edition of CFT United
Check out the latest edition of CFT United for more great coverage on the November election and the latest from CFT. Stories include:
CFT Retirees Are Powering GOTV Efforts Across the State – Retirees from up and down the state are hitting the pavement and putting pen to paper this election season.
UpFront with CFT President Jeff Freitas – Hear from CFT President Jeff Freitas on taking back Congress through California and electing the Harris/Walz Ticket.
Update on the October CFT State Council – Including a visit from Congressional candidate Derek Tran.
The Challenges Facing Academic Freedom – Universities should be a place to challenge the status quo, says Katie Rodger, UC-AFT president.
Introducing CFT’s Newest Task Force: Educators for Quality Schools – Members of a new CFT task force have been working on coming up with actions, both legislation and bargaining, to address the problem of understaffing in schools.
Community College Council Retreat Focuses on Building Power – Learn more about the recent Council retreat in San Diego right before the semester started.
AFT 1521A Launches New Unifying Campaign: Classified Rising – Read more about the new campaign launched by the AFT College Staff Guild-Los Angeles.
