Standing Together for Education.
CFT members from across the state were in Sacramento last week to formally launch AB 477 (Muratsuchi), a bill that would make transformational investments in school funding at a time when low wages are driving teachers and school staff out of the profession we love, and as attacks and threats from the Trump administration on public education are making our work even more difficult.
Hundreds of delegates at the CFT convention at the Westin San Diego Gaslamp debated and voted on resolutions like “Oppose All Efforts to Privatize Social Security and Support Efforts to Stabilize the System,” “Ending Tax Breaks and Subsidies for Fossil Fuels in California,” and “Increase Public Funding for the University of California.” They attended workshops such as “Education Code Basics,” “Bringing Resources to the Immigrant Community by Empowering our Members,” and “Winning Local School Board Elections.” They also heard from two panels — “Organizing to Win in Sunol Glen,” about the tow
California has the largest concentration of immigrants in the country. Many of our students and their families are anxious about the threats of mass deportation by the incoming administration. CFT is dedicated to defending our immigrant students, families, and communities.
Download CFT resources linked below
How Unions Can Protect Immigrant Workers and Students
CA Resources from AG Bonta’s Office
Near the end of her speech, Palm Springs City Councilmember and former Mayor Lisa Middleton quoted Anglo-Irish political thinker Edmund Burke, as a comment on the president. “Rudeness is a weak man’s imitation of strength.”
Middleton, a guest speaker at the CFT convention, came to talk about the challenges ahead – which are significant under the current Trump administration. Middleton knows a thing or two about challenges.
Women’s History Month provides us an opportunity to remind ourselves of women’s contributions to our culture and society and reflect on women who have fought for change in labor, education, science, the arts, and politics. Use the CFT’s curated collection to find lesson plans for your classroom and inspiration for your union, home, and beyond.
CFT has an emergency relief fund for members who have suffered catastrophic losses. If you have lost your home or other property because of the fires, please email us at disasterrelief@cft.org with your name and contact information. We can also assist you in applying for AFT disaster relief funds as well.
Why did you come?
I wanted to get more information, because we went from a 40% in our membership last year, to 70% and we’ve been getting a lot of involvement with our members. They’ve been asking a lot of questions, and they are eager to know more about the union. I’m here to give more information, and that way I can take it back to them and provide that information.
What’s been the highlight for you?
