The theme of the 2024 Council of Classified Employees conference was Classified Standing Strong: Yesterday, Today, and Always.
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That sentiment ran throughout the weekend in Costa Mesa, where along with exploring their creativity, joking, and connecting with one another, attendees got to hear from union leaders and attend workshops addressing topics including the Education Code, active shooter drills, workplace safety, and dealing with difficult situations at their jobs.
Classified professionals also discussed the fight looming in the wake of the 2024 election, with both CFT President Jeff Freitas and CCE President Carl Williams not shying away from talking about Donald Trump’s return to the White House and what that could mean for public education, as well as immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, climate change, civil rights, labor…the list goes on.
There were more than 60 first-time attendees in Costa Mesa, a good sign for the power of the union and the welcoming and open spirit of the event. We spoke to five people new to the conference, and, universally, they told us how well organized it was, what all they learned, and how much a chance to connect with their colleagues meant to them.
The full Classified Insider issue can be found here
First-time attendees at CFT CCE conference share what inspired them
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Maria Guiterrez, Christopher Easley, Alisa Chester, Tanya Brooks, and Derek Warren hail from up and down the state and were all first time attendees of the CCE Conference back in December.
Read about their experience here
Union leaders vow to continue the fight at Saturday sessions of the CCE conference
CCE President Carl Williams jumped right into the fitting theme of the conference saying, “This theme is a testament to our collective strength, a strength that has been forged over decades of struggle, sacrifice, and resilience,” adding, “Classified can do anything. Our work may not always be celebrated but it’s always essential.”
Williams said post-election, people are in stages of grief. “But here’s the truth, brothers and sisters, we cannot afford to stay in any of these stages very long,” Williams said. “We cannot let the fear and sadness and anger and hopelessness overwhelm us. We must use our classified superpower, which we were all built with.”
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Local unions build power with CFT organizing grants
Ally Stutzman, President of the Santa Cruz Council of Classified Employees, thinks the reason they got an organizing grant from CFT this summer was because they had a clear vision and goals: supporting their members and strengthening the union.
The grant has allowed AFT Local 6084 to hire a union organizer, Jenny Robles, who was previously Secretary for the local, and Stutzman says her work makes a big difference.
Read the full article and learn how to apply
Classified professionals sharpen skills at CCE conference workshops
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Participants had some popular and useful workshops to choose from, including cultivating well-being, the Education Code, responding to active violence, and AFT member benefits.
Read the overview
