CFT Division Councils are in action building the union this week

This week local CFT presidents and leaders from throughout the state are gathering in Sacramento for the annual EC/TK-12 Council presidents retreat. The retreat this year is focused on teacher recruitment and retention, building union leadership capacity, and addressing the impacts of declining enrollment and potential layoffs. But just as important is the connections strengthened between local leaders, who are learning from and supporting one another as they address the critical issues facing our public schools. (Pictured above, EC/TK-12 local leaders are all smiles at the new CFT office in Sacramento.)

The CFT Council of Classified Employees is also hosting their annual conference in Southern California this weekend, under the theme Classified Standing Strong: Yesterday, Today, and Always. The three-day event will include a collaborative session for both new and seasoned local presidents, a host of great workshops, and speakers. Look for full coverage of the conference in a special upcoming edition of the Classified Insider, and for updates over the weekend on CFT social accounts.

Also this weekend, the CFT Universities Council is hosting a day-long workshop on Building Diverse and Democratic Union Governance. The training will focus on using diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and the cultural proficiency framework to empower faculty to implement effective strategies within our unions and our workplaces.

Time for the Senate to pass the Social Security Fairness Act

The U.S. Senate has yet to schedule a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act, and time is running out. Last month the House of Representatives passed the Social Security Fairness Act (HR 82) by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 327-75.

Please take a moment to send this letter to California Senators Laphonza Butler and Alex Padilla, urging them to demand Senate leadership bring this critical bill to a vote ASAP and asking that they follow through on their commitment to VOTE YES when it reaches the Senate floor. On Monday Senator-elect Adam Schiff will be sworn in and we will make sure he receives all the signed petitions.

After you send that letter, take a moment to call our senators and leave a message urging their quick action. Details here.

Attorney General Bonta releases updated guidance to public schools to protect immigrant rights

In response to the incoming Trump administration’s inhumane threats of mass arrests, detention, and deportations, California Attorney General Rob Bonta this week issued updated model policies and recommendations to guide public institutions in complying with California law limiting state and local participation in immigration enforcement activities.

This guidance, which includes instructions for public schools, was first issued in 2018 and is intended to help staff develop practical plans to protect the rights of immigrants and their families to safely access public institutions by limiting support of immigration enforcement activity at these institutions. Specific guidance was issued for higher education and for K-12 schools. More details here.

CalSTRS benefits webinar set for Tuesday, December 10

All CFT certificated members who participate in CalSTRS are welcome at our upcoming webinar on Tuesday, December 10 from 4:00–5:30 p.m.

Find out more in-depth information about your CalSTRS benefits, the difference between earned and purchased service credit, and ways to bridge the gap between your CalSTRS benefit and your retirement income goals.

Presenters include experts from CalSTRS as well as CalSTRS Board member (and CFT member) Sharon Hendricks and Dr. Jessica Saint Paul, Co-Retirement Liaison from AFT 1521.