Classified Conference
Classified Conference
Annual networking and learning opportunity for support staff
Our Classified Conference always promises learning and fun, and even though we will meet online this year due to the pandemic, you can still expect inspiring guest speakers and workshops. Our 2020 conference will be held Saturday, November 14.
Classified Conference – ONLINE
Our 2020 event is virtual — and free!
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we have shifted our annual Classified Conference online, and streamlined it into a single Saturday afternoon. You can still attend valuable workshops (on pandemic-related topics) — and even join in a happy hour during the closing session — all without leaving home. The conference is free for the first time ever; there is no registration fee.
With a theme of “Classified Professionals are Essential!,” our annual conference promises learning and fun — please join us online this year!
STEP 1: Register Your Attendance at the Conference
- REGISTER YOUR ATTENDANCE for the Classified Conference.
- There is no registration fee — the online conference is free to attendees.
- The deadline to register is Wednesday, November 11 at midnight.
- On Thursday, November 12, registrants will be emailed the Zoom link for the Opening Session, as well as any other links you will need to access our online conference.
STEP 2: Sign Up for Workshops
Four workshops will offer important learning opportunities related to the pandemic. You must sign up in advance for our workshops and be registered to attend the conference. You may sign up for the workshops using the quick registration links below or those after the full descriptions. The deadline to sign up for workshops is Wednesday, November 11.
QUICK SIGN-UP
SESSION 1 — 2:15 pm
- Problem Solving in the Workplace — Remote or On-Campus
- Returning to Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic
SESSION 2 — 3:15 pm
FULL DESCRIPTIONS WITH SIGN-UP
SESSION 1 — 2:15 pm
- Problem Solving in the Workplace — Remote or On-Campus
This workshop will explain a variety of tools unions can use to solve problems in the worksite. Participants will leave with a better understanding of a variety of actions, how to choose the most appropriate one, and how to escalate actions toward a good outcome. Participants will also leave equipped to handle the initial steps of a grievance, including interviews, investigations, and informal meetings with management.
PRESENTER
Kassi Harris CFT Field Representative
REGISTER HERE
- Returning to Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The concerns about returning to work are too numerous to list, and the depth of concern varies across local unions and geography. The CFT has prepared many resources that we’ll review in this workshop, including our health and safety checklist for safely reopening, and legal guidance on the rights of our unions to negotiate health and safety protections. We’ll also discuss some current disputes arising from these tensions, and offer guidance on the most effective and strategic use of our unions to protect the health and safety of our members and students.
PRESENTERS
Hannah Weinstein CFT General Counsel
Danielle Short Legal Counsel, AFT Guild, San Diego and Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community Colleges, Local 1931
Tristan Brown CFT Legislative Representative
Zev Kvitky CFT Training Director
REGISTER HERE
SESSION 2 — 3:15 pm
- Best Practices for Distance & Hybrid Learning
There are many questions about what good distance and hybrid techniques might look like. How can we do our jobs well and be effective? What does that look like? Join us as we discuss ways to support our students (and ourselves). We will talk about ways to communicate effectively — focusing on the important role that support staff play in the social and emotional support needs of our students. Our hope is that you’ll leave this virtual training with a few tips, tricks and tools to help you communicate effectively and authentically, in person or from afar.
PRESENTER
Lauren Samet Director, AFT Paraprofessional and School-Related Personnel (PSRP) Department
REGISTER HERE
- Minimizing Stress in the Workplace
Stress is part of our daily personal and professional lives. There are a number of stressors in the workplace like bullying, insufficient staffing, demanding workloads, or unrealistic work expectations that challenge our physical and mental ability and well-being. A key factor in dealing with stress is how well we can manage it. When this is not done well, or at all, the consequences can have negative effects on our health and our interactions at work and home. We will examine sources of stress in the workplace, the physical and mental effects of stress, and some personal and collective strategies to help manage stress in the workplace and avoid or minimize its negative effects.
PRESENTER
Zev Kvitky CFT Training Director
REGISTER HERE
Schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 12 pm | Pre-Conference Presidents Collaboration |
| 1 pm | OPENING SESSION |
| Welcome: Carl Williams, President, Council of Classified Employees | |
| Panel Discussion: Worker Rights in the Time of COVID-19 Our lives have been deeply disrupted by the pandemic, creating dire concerns about health, safety, unemployment and childcare. The government response has been a complicated patchwork of federal and state programs that is difficult to understand. Our team of experts will provide the information you need to access these benefits. (See complete description in the next section.) |
|
| 2:15 pm | WORKSHOPS |
| 3:15 pm | WORKSHOPS |
| 4:15 pm | CLOSING SESSION & HAPPY HOUR |
| Wind down in our closing session. Our happy hour theme is “Celebrate Classified with 20-20 Vision.” Wear your crazy glasses for this session! | |
| Officer Updates: Jeff Freitas, CFT President Luukia Smith, CFT Secretary Treasurer |
|
| Raffles: Don’t miss our prize giveaways! | |
| 5 pm | ADJOURN |
Panel Discussion
Worker Rights in the Time of COVID-19
Our lives have been deeply disrupted by the pandemic, creating dire concerns about health, safety, unemployment and childcare. The government response has been a complicated patchwork of federal and state programs that is difficult to understand. Our team of experts will provide the information you need to access these benefits. During this panel discussion, you will learn about:
- paid leaves available through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA);
- changes to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA);
- how a new Workers’ Compensation law addresses employee exposure at work;
- how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can protect vulnerable employees;
- and the union rights that can be exercised to protect members from harm.
PANELISTS
- Hannah Weinstein CFT General Counsel
- Danielle Short Legal Counsel, AFT Guild, San Diego and Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community Colleges, Local 1931
- Zev Kvitky CFT Training Director
- Michael Young CFT Legislative Representative
Local Presidents Collaboration
PRE-CONFERENCE EVENT
Whether you are a seasoned president, or brand new, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Before the conference opens at 1 pm, local presidents from constituent unions of the Council of Classified Employees are invited to attend a casual seminar to share updates on current issues and get to know one another.
- The collaboration runs from 12 pm to 12:45 pm.
- Presidents will be emailed a Zoom link on Thursday, November 12, to join the Local Presidents Collaboration.
For More Information
If you have questions about the Classified Conference, please email CCE Southern Vice President Tina Solorzano Fletcher.