The Connection

As negotiations kick off around the state, a lot of our leaders are dealing with a lack of actual negotiation. A superintendent or business manager says, "This is what we can do and this is all we can do."

What does your union do next?

I know this can be tense. No one wants to hear NO and no one wants to be perceived as being confrontational. In these moments, it's important to remember our power as a union comes from our membership. The more we include the membership in the bargaining process the stronger we are. That can look like:

• Regularly sharing communications about what's going on with your larger membership.
• Asking members to share their personal story as to why this issue matters.
• Asking members to wear buttons, stickers or other signifiers of union support.
• Asking members to take action if negotiations have stalled.

Involving the larger membership helps build consensus and takes stress out of having "to decide" for other people. Especially on the pivotal question of, "Is this a proposal your membership supports, or do they want to push for more?" They need to answer that for themselves because they will be the ones making it happen.

To read more about bargaining best practices, check out this piece from Labor Notes:

https://labornotes.org/2023/08/open-bargaining-start-early-and-build

I'm always happy to talk through what these strategies could look like.

In Solidarity,

Kristin Lytie

Organizing Director

WEAC

As President Trump escalates his misuse of power, it is on us, the people, to show that we will fight to protect one another and our country. If he believes we will roll over and allow him to take our freedoms, he is mistaken. We are coming together again on March 28 because we know we can overcome this repression when we unite. Find a rally near you:

https://www.nokings.org/

WEAC will host another statewide BR training on Tuesday March 10th at 6pm.

The virtual training will feature union leaders Erica Becker and Andrea Pasqualucci from Ashwaubenon EA​, Alicia Kessenich from Oshkosh EA, and Michelle Valasquez-Klopp from Evansville EA. We will focus on:

• Building collaborative relationships with principals to solve issues
• Recruiting new members
• Representing your fellow union members

RSVP HERE: https://www.mobilize.us/weac/event/901743/

In February, local presidents and secretaries will receive an email from WEAC with delegate registration information. If your local needs to update officer information, have had a change in leadership, or if you have questions regarding delegate registration, please call the WR3 office for assistance.

• NEA's Comprehensive Immigration Guide (also attached): https://www.nea.org/resource-library/guidance-immigration-issues
• Red Cards: https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas
• Family Preparedness Plan: https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/family_preparedness_plan_v3-20170323.pdf
• Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter - Resources for Ensuring Equal Access to Education for Immigrant Students: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/key-policy-letters/dear-colleague-letter-resources-ensuring-equal-access-education-immigrant-students
• Education for All Campaign: https://education4all.us/
• Plyler and Data Collection: https://www.nilc.org/resources/plyler-and-data-collection
• Webinars about immigration rights: https://www.mobilize.us/nea/event/748428/

Spanish for Educators

Early Career Educator Resource Guide

National Board Certification

Becoming an Ambassador for Equity

Best Practices in Classroom Management

WEAC members who use WEAC Savers Club find big savings on health club memberships, weight loss programs and fitness equipment. If your resolution requires traveling, you can find savings on restaurants, water parks, hotels, rental cars and more. That is in addition to savings on everyday items you might have to buy such as school supplies, classroom needs, clothes, and technology.