The Connection

As February kicks off your Union is all about spreading the love and of course, solidarity! Our Valentines outreach is underway as a way to welcome new educators to our school community and our Union! I can't tell you how many amazing leaders I work with told me their union journey started when a veteran educator and union member popped into their classroom just to see how they were doing. Nothing "just happens," we have to be intentional about introducing these new people to the important work of our union and making them feel welcomed. We all prosper from building these relationships! If you want to learn more about reaching out to new hires in your school please send me an email at Lytiek@weac.org.

Speaking of love and solidarity, Region 3 had a packed house for our Collective Bargaining training on Wednesday January 28th. Our parking lot was so full people had to park on the street! Uniserv Directors, Justin Delfosse and Neil Rainford shared their knowledge on collecting the right comparables, the importance of building a diverse negotiations team and how to calculate CPI increases into your salary schedule.

I know times are challenging right now, the news is chaotic, but a thought continues to jump out at me: In times of crisis schools are one of the last social safety nets for our communities. The people who staff them are stewards of the community and when we come together it's electric! I was really proud to be in that room Wednesday night and see nearly 60 of our Region 3 leaders laugh and learn together.

Kristin Lytie

Organizing Director

WEAC

Right now, the Minneapolis Federation of Educators 59 and the St. Paul Federation of Educators are highlighting specific mutual aid funds for educators and families who are in the direst need at this time.

Help Minneapolis Families Pay Rent This Month

Fund to help St. Paul Families Who Have Lost Their Income

Please consider donating and sharing these links with your fellow members, coworkers, friends, and anyone else who is looking for a way to show solidarity with Minnesota right now.

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.