March 5, 2021
MEMBERSHIP EDITION, Vol. 5, #7

Hello friends,

Some districts have been giving educators a breather in their weekly schedules. These breaks are so helpful for people to have the space and time to plan, prep, and manage their mental health. We all know you can't show up ready to be there for students if your own needs aren't met.

We put an information request out in the Region 3 Members Only Facebook group to see how districts are incorporating this need into their schedules. Some districts are doing early release a few days a month, others are doing half days. The post had a lot of members jumping on to share and we collected that data. It's our hope that some of you can use the data to help your district make some changes that will greatly benefit educators. In short we are hoping to repeat the successes we saw when leaders shared what other districts were doing to extend the sick time offered through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that had previously expired.

We'll be discussing the input so many locals gave us at the Virtual Gathering on Wednesday, March 10th at 4:30. You can register HERE.

And if you haven't joined the Region 3 Members Only Facebook page you can do so HERE.

I hope to see you there!

In Solidarity,

Kristin Lytie
Regional Director
WEAC Region 3
Upcoming Events:
 
Wednesday, March 10, WR3 Virtual Gathering, 4:30PM
 
Thursday, March 18, NBCT, 5PM
 
Tuesday, March 23, Zone B Meeting, 5:30PM

Wednesday, March 31, Just One Kickoff Campaign and Training, 6-7:30 PM

Wednesday, April 7, WEAC Pre-RA, 5PM & WR3 Executive Committee Meeting, 6PM
 
Thursday, April 8, Negotiations 101 Training, 6-8PM

Friday-Saturday, April 23-24, WEAC RA
 
Saturday, May 8, Region 3 RA
 
Wednesday, May 12 (Tentative), Executive Committee Meeting, 6PM
 
Wednesday, June 9, Executive Committee Meeting, 6PM
This is an 11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication with WEAC members
The 10-Minute Meeting
You have an opportunity to keep members in the loop AND respect their time by holding 10-minute meetings! It's also a great time to get feedback from people in the building.

Get out there and BE VISIBLE!

How can we have 10-minute meetings during the pandemic? Now is probably the BEST time to reach out to your members! Facebook live, Google hangouts, Zoom...
The March 10-Minute Meeting topic:

Early Enrollment!
Early Enrollment starts April 1st. So start thinking of who you want to ask now. Who has been showing interest in what the union is doing? Who has great ideas? Who do people look to respond in meetings? Let's identify them now together in our ten minute meetings! Region 3 will be launching the JUST ONE Campaign this April where YOU will be entered into a chance to win for your efforts every time you recruit a new member! We all know a strong union is the best reward of all but a little fun doesn't hurt either!

For more details about how the 10-minute meeting works, click here. For previous 10-minute meeting topics:
#JustOne Campaign Kickoff!

Join us Wednesday, March 31st to kickoff to the Just One Campaign:

A membership drive that utilizes early enrollment while rewarding current members for their organizing efforts! 

As we’ve all come to learn, sometimes it’s Just One person that can light the spark and move people in a new way. Region 3 is inviting locals to have a friendly competition and get “Just One” new member between April 1 and May 31, 2021. New members who join in April and May via Early Enrollment will pay nothing until September 2021 (receiving up to 5 months free). The members who recruit people will have a chance to win a $50 gift card to businesses School House, Target, Starbucks, etc.

Want to participate?—Fill out this FORM. 

Region 3 will be doing a training and informational session on the campaign on Wednesday, March 31st via zoom 6-7:30pm. Your local union can make this their own by having a building challenge within the association! During this session we will:
  • Give an overview of the campaign specifics and Early Enrollment
  • Help you identify potential members
  • Practice conversation techniques 

Register for the Kickoff Workshop on Wednesday, March 31st  from 6pm to 7:30 HERE.
NEGOTIATIONS 101
Join Us April 8, 6-7:30 Via Zoom
Region 3 is excited to bring together leaders from all over our corner of the state to discuss how their local union does negotiations. In some ways working virtually is really an advantage. Now from the comfort of your couch you can ask experienced union leaders how you can make negotiations work for your local union!
What's the difference between "Meet and Confer" & Negotiating?
What should we look for in a salary schedule?
How can my union influence decision makers?

These are just some of the conversations we'll be having during this 1.5 hour training. Register HERE and bring your team! 
SHOUT-OUT TO CHILTON EA:

The thought of retirement planning can be overwhelming and navigating WRS alone can feel difficult. Zach Platner, the Vice President of Chilton Education Association, recognized this and set up a special session for members of the CEA to attend an informational session put on by the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds for members to better understand their WRS benefits. It's a great example of how we can bring members together virtually! Kudos to Zach and the CEA! Want to do a session or a workshop with your local? Your director can help!  
Are you retiring this year? Do you know someone who is retiring this year?
 
The WEAC membership year is September 1st through August 31st, and even though you are "leaving" active employment in June, there is an obligation to continue paying dues through the end of August.
 
Not only does this commitment to membership support your active colleagues, it provides you with access to union resources and support to ensure you are treated fairly and that your employer upholds its commitments related to your retirement. 
 
Here are some resources to share with the newest class of retirees:  
 
Retiree Resources

  • Cancellation of your current WEAC membership requires a signed letter sent to the Membership Department. Here is a sample letter that needs to be mailed to the address on the letter. This letter MUST include the date and your signature!
  • Retirees should consider enrolling in WEAC-Retired. Membership can be a one-time payment. Here is a brochure detailing the benefits and an enrollment form.
  • Term life insurance offered through NEA can be increased at a very competitive rate and remains in place as long as you are an active or retired member. Here is a handout and an enrollment form that explains all the details of this important benefit.  
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS IN FEBRUARY:
11!
We're stronger
every day!
Wednesdays in March: State Budget Organizing

Everyone in Wisconsin deserves the opportunity to thrive and that starts with the state budget. WEAC is partnering with Forward Wisconsin to amplify our voices for a Wisconsin budget that supports children and families, public schools and worker rights.
Join in at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in March to organize around a different topic. The topic of education is on March 10. Register HERE.

It's Tax Season!
Members of WEAC Region 3 get a
25% DISCOUNT for tax preparation & planning
at Tax Management Services.

Contact:
Michael Savolt, CPA, Tax Management Services, Inc.
828 Cherry St. Green Bay 920-432-1985

  • Mar 17 - Register by mail
  • Mar 17 - Register to vote online
  • Mar 23 thru Apr 4 - In-person early voting *
  • Apr 1 - Request regular absentee ballot
  • Apr 2 - Register at municipal clerk's office
  • Apr 6 - Register at polling place
  • Apr 6 - Return absentee ballot

*Check with your municipal clerk for specific days and times.
Region 3 encourages Locals to get involved in their district's school board elections and/or referendums.

Please contact your Region 3 Director for school board candidate screening questions and information on the types of assistance available through Region 3 PAC.
 Region 3/GBEA National Board Support Sessions

WEAC, Region 3 and GBEA have organized ongoing monthly National Board Support for the 2020-2021 cycle. Sessions will be held virtually until further notice and facilitated by Sarah Johnston (Marinette). Find the schedule with registration links HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to join the meeting. Please save this email.
On Wednesday, March 10, be sure to register for Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Book Study Part I. Author Daniel Pink examines the three elements of true motivation – autonomy, mastery, and purpose. For illustration, he introduces us to scientists, entrepreneurs, and educators that are pointing to ideas can be applied in the classroom to motivate students and improve our instructional approaches. If you need the book click HERE. If you own or will borrow the book simply complete your Webinar Wednesday registration below.

The registration link can be found HERE.
Background Check Applications are Open

The DPI background check application is now open for teachers whose license would have expired in 2021. Members can check to see if they are due for a background check by logging into their Educator Licensing Online (ELO) account. Background check applications are due no later than June 30, 2021. It is advised that members submit their application sooner than later. Remember this is your responsibility!
Region 3 is Participating in
NEA's EARLY ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGN
 
Now is a good time to have membership conversations with folks who haven't yet made the commitment to join our union. Early enrollment is available to any employee who has never been a member of WEAC/NEA. For those who fill out an early enrollment form, these are the benefits:

  • Membership for the 2021-22 school year (September 1, 2021, through August 31, 2022) begins as soon as we receive a signed form - but no earlier than April 1, 2021.
  • Payment of dues does not begin until September 10, 2021.
  • NEA liability insurance begins immediately.
  • Access to WEAC Saver's Club, and NEA Click and Save.

Please contact WEAC Region 3 at 800-472-5582 for more details about how to sign up your members using the Early Enrollment plan.
WEAC Join NOW ONLINE
Member Sign Up

Easy, fast online feature supports your membership efforts.
 
WEAC online member sign-up, Join Now, is now available to provide a convenient and fast way for educators to become members of our union.
 

In a series of simple screens, educators can enter their information to become a member. This feature is especially useful during one-on-one membership conversations. While the process is entirely online, it is recommended that organizers and leaders stay with educators through the sign-up process to answer any questions that might arise.

For an overview of the Join Now experience, click here.