November 19, 2021
Hello all,

Recertification elections are winding to a close with the election ending at noon on Monday, November 22. We certainly hope that all our Locals who petitioned to recertify will pass with high percentages. But it’s also worth considering – what does recertification mean to your Local? And how will you use recertification to grow your Local and build union power? More specifically, will you schedule meet and confer meetings with your district? Will you propose a new salary schedule or advocate for better working conditions?
 
Recertifying isn’t an easy feat. It is costly and time-consuming. Don’t let all that hard work go to waste -- make sure your Local has a seat at the table! 

In Solidarity,

Erin Karsten 
Regional Director
Upcoming Events:

 
December 14, Tuesday, Zone B Meeting, 6PM

December 16, Thursday, NBCT Session, 5PM

January 13, Thursday, Zone C Meeting, 5PM
We will not be sending out a newsletter next week due to the holiday. We hope that everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving break.
Have You Voted Yet?
See the November 12 midpoint recertification vote results. Some locals still have work to do and should contact their regional director if they need help in getting out the vote.

Again, voting began at noon on Tuesday, November 2
and ends at noon on Monday, November 22.
 
Voting online is quick and easy: www.aaaelections.org/WERC
 
As a reminder, recertification with the WERC requires 51% or more of ALL ELIGIBLE VOTERS to vote “YES” in favor of being represented by the Local Association & WEAC Region 3. All those who don't vote are counted as “NO” votes. Therefore, encourage ALL of your co-workers to vote "YES."
‌
Some important things to remember:
  • Your district emails can only be used to encourage people to vote. "Vote Yes" messages must be sent to personal emails.
  • Not voting counts as a "No" vote.
  • Urge people to use the online option-it works more effectively than the call-in option.
  • What's your plan to get out the vote? Are you texting? Using Facebook? Your director can help you get the resources you need to win at region3@weac.org!
Winter Gala: Sunday, December 5th, 4:30-8pm
 
The Brown County Dems are planning a winter gala! This is their first major fundraising event in almost two years. They have combined their annual Steak Fry and Holiday Party into one grand event during the Packer bye week, and they're inviting Wisconsin Democratic leaders to share their vision for 2022 and beyond. The event will take place in-person at the Radisson in Green Bay. Please come with all your vaccinations up to date.
 
The WEAC Region 3 Board of Directors has approved the purchase of a table at this event. Please let the Region 3 office know if you'd like to attend. We have 6 seats left! 
To encourage outreach to potential members across Region 3, we are launching the Count Me In Program! The goal of this program is three-pronged: to get out the vote for recertification elections (if applicable), recruit more members into our Union, and educate potential members on the benefits of joining their Local Education Association.
 
Step 1: Sign-up as a participant here.
Step 2: Review the conversation report form here.
Step 3: Begin scheduling 1-on-1 conversations with potential members. You will need to ask potential members for their contact info, encourage them to vote in a recertification election (if applicable), and ask them to join your Local Education Association! If you are unsure of where to start, Region 3 can provide any needed training and help you identify potential members.
Step 4: Record your 1-on-1 conversations using the report form. Be sure to complete the form in its entirety.
 
Once you complete and report 5 conversations with potential members, you will be entered to win a trip to the March 25-27 Labor Notes Conference in Chicago. Lodging, meals, and travel will be covered.
 
The winner can choose 1 additional WEAC Region 3 member to bring along for the trip.
 
Learn more about Labor Notes here!
 
The winner will be chosen at the end of the Program on December 1st. Participants can earn additional entries by having additional conversations. Each reported conversation beyond the required 5 will result in 1 additional entry!
Next Region 3/GBEA National Board Support Session - December 16
 
WEAC, Region 3 and GBEA have organized ongoing monthly National Board Support for the 2021-2022 cycle. Sessions will be held in person at the WEAC Region 3 office but with a virtual option and facilitated by Sarah Johnston (Marinette) and Ellie Hinz-Radue (Green Bay).
 
On Wednesday, December 1, be sure to register for Pear Deck to Engage Learners. This session will discuss how to use Pear Deck to transform your PowerPoint and Google Slides into interactive presentations. Assess student understanding in real time or at their own pace by inserting questions and practice activities directly into your lesson plan.
 
Registration HERE.

Educator Wellness
Building a Balanced Life

You take care of others. Learn how your union can take care of you in our Educator Wellness course.
Student Loan Debt Forgiveness

WEAC members were among thousands of American educators who took action to demand a fix to the broken Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. We have a win: The U.S. Department of Education has announced temporary overhauls.
Nationally, these reforms will mean debt forgiveness right away for tens of thousands of public service workers and eventual forgiveness for many more. However, the changes to PSLF will exist only until October 31, 2022. 
 
WEAC is looking for members who will benefit from these changes that are willing to share their personal stories in claiming the win and in the importance of uniting in union to achieve shared goals. If you are interested in sharing your story email Region 3 by clicking here.  
Awards & Scholarships
WEAC sponsors college scholarships for future teachers, along with awards honoring Wisconsin Public School educators and advocates.
ETF
January 2022 Webinars

Beneficiary Designations – What Happens to My Account When I Die?
Death is never easy to talk about, but it’s important to know where your money is going. Learn what happens to your WRS account when you pass away, why it's important to designate a beneficiary and the importance of keeping your account up to date.
By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:
  • Define beneficiary and standard sequence.
  • Explain the importance of a beneficiary form.
  • Identify who or what could be a beneficiary.
  • Select the appropriate beneficiary form.
  • Update your beneficiary.
Thu, Jan 6, 2022 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Tue, Jan 18, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Wed, Jan 26, 2022 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Newly Retired? What to Expect
When you first retire you may experience several changes.
We'll help prepare you for some of these changes by discussing the following:
  • Explain your annuity payment and why it may change.
  • Identify mailings you will receive during retirement.
  • Be aware of life changes during retirement that may affect your benefits.
Wed, Jan 5, 2022 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Mon, Jan 10, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Thu, Jan 20, 2022 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

WRS Effective Rates and Annuity Adjustments
Each year you may see changes to the amount of your retirement payment. We’ll discuss why and how these changes happen.
By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:
  • Define WRS effective rates and annuity adjustments.
  • Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund effective rates are calculated.
  • Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund annuity adjustments are calculated.
Tue, Jan 11, 2022 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Wed, Jan 19, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Mon, Jan 31, 2022 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Change of email, mailing address, phone number, or banking info?

If you have recently moved, gotten a new phone number or email address, changed schools or banking information, please contact Region 3 staff assistant Debbie Armitage or Sue Clauss. They will be able to make any changes to your records. This information helps us ensure that we are able to stay connected with you.
 
They can both be reached by phone at 920-496-2440. 
 
Debbie can be reached through email at ArmitageD@WEAC.org. 
 
Sue can be reached at ClaussS@weac.org.
This is an 11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication with WEAC members