Our thoughts are with those impacted by the fires
Our thoughts are with our fellow educators, classified professionals, and communities who are in harm's way because of the fires raging across the state of California. We already know of at least two CFT members who have lost their homes and of many more who have been forced to evacuate.
We hope that everyone who is impacted by the fires is able to reach a safe place as soon as possible. We are working on contacting CFT members who are in the impacted areas to check on their safety, and are putting together a fundraising effort so that others may offer their support to those who have lost their homes.
If you have lost your home, it is completely uninhabitable, or you need assistance, please email [email protected].
The trauma and stress caused by the fires and evacuation orders is, of course, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rolling blackouts that are happening throughout the state. Not to mention that this is happening right as the school year gets underway!
During such crises, it is more important than ever that we support one another to get through the difficult times. We are heartened by reports of CFT members opening their homes to their colleagues who have been forced to evacuate and sharing their internet connection to host their virtual classrooms.
We hope that you, your loved ones, and communities are safe.
Kati Bassler from Salinas to join Friday’s Facebook Live broadcast at 3:00 p.m.
On Friday’s CFT Facebook Live broadcast at 3:00 p.m., CFT President Jeff Freitas will be joined by Kati Bassler, President of the Salinas Valley Federation of Teachers.
Jeff and Kati will first discuss how the beginning of the school year is going and then how the nearby fires are impacting her members and their ability to continue to offer distance learning. Jeff will also give an update on the latest developments in our campaign to raise additional revenues for our schools and communities.
To tune in, please head to the CFT Facebook page on Friday at 3:00 p.m.
DACA recipients: Please fill out this survey for the AFT effort to fight back against Trump's most recent attack!
AFT has done a lot of work on immigration issues, immigrants' rights, and advocacy around DACA. They are looking to challenge the recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo from July 28, in which DHS says that they are cutting the DACA program from two years to one year, not accepting new applications, and refusing advanced parole. Currently AFT has an open case challenging the DHS position on DACA, which has been remanded from the Supreme Court to the district court in DC. In order for AFT to continue this court battle they are seeking particular information from AFT DACA members.
Therefore, if you are a CFT member and DACA recipient, please fill out this form ASAP. All responses will be kept confidential.
New CFT Zoom background photos
Thanks to the AFT Guild, Local 1931, we’ve got a couple of great Zoom backgrounds to share that are perfect for the coming election season. One is a background that focuses on one of CFT’s top priorities – Prop. 15, the Schools and Communities First initiative. The other is in celebration of John Lewis’ life and is a great reminder for everyone to register to vote. Please consider using these backgrounds during your next Zoom meetings.
