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The Connection
1136 N. Military Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54303
920-496-2440
800-472-5582
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April 1, 2021
MEMBERSHIP EDITION, Vol. 5, #7
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Hello friends,
We have a lot of great things happening this month! We kicked off the Just One Campaign this week! Just One is a friendly region-wide competition in which each local union is bringing on Just One new member using early enrollment. On April 8th we have Negotiations 101 where you can learn best practices from your colleagues about how to organize around negotiations and then on Saturday April 17th is Tell Your Education Story, a workshop on state budget activism.
The heart of all these, and union work in general, is learning to tell your story. Our stories are a way to show our values and what matters to us. It’s the foundation of building a relationship and relationships between coworkers is what a union is built on.
Sometimes I hesitate in telling my own story because it feels like, “why would anyone care,” but after I share the other person always opens up to share about their life and I feel we have connected in a more meaningful way. I came to work for unions after an accident at the paper mill where my father worked nearly killed him. A propane tank caught fire, turned into a missile and took out both of my father’s legs just below the knees. If my uncle had not been working and bravely made a tourniquet around my father’s waist he probably would not have lived. Even though this was an accident that was written about in the Green Bay Press Gazette, the company fought his workers comp case and sent spies to make sure he was really learning how to walk again. I didn’t know what a union organizer was, but I knew I didn’t want anyone else’s family to be put through something like this. I went to college and I started working for unions all over the Midwest. It was not until I started working for the Graduate Employees Organization at the University of Illinois-Chicago that I learned the Koch brothers, the people who owned all the mills, were the same people who were funding the attack on public education. That connection made me want to come home. In a nutshell, that’s why I do what I do. What brought you to teaching? What made you want to be a union member? What lit that spark in you?
The union isn’t just about contracts and policies, it’s about the personal relationships we build and knowing we will stand up for one another when our values are threatened. I hope you’ll share your story at your next union meeting!
.......And don't forget to vote (if you haven't already) this Tuesday April 6th for Dr. Jill Underly and all the other union recommended candidates! Check out your local elections here.
In Solidarity,
Kristin Lytie
Regional Director
WEAC Region 3
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Upcoming Events:
April 7 - April 27, Recertification Election for WTCS Locals
April 7, Wednesday
April 7, Wednesday
WR3 Executive Committee Meeting, 6PM
April 8, Thursday
April 14, Wednesday
April 17, Saturday
Tell Your Education Story- A Workshop for State Budget Activism, 9:00-11AM
April 20, Tuesday
April 22, Thursday
April 23-24, Friday-Saturday
WEAC RA
April 27, Tuesday
May 8, Saturday
Region 3 RA
May 6, Thursday
May 12, Wednesday, Executive Committee Meeting, 6PM
(Tentative)
June 9, Wednesday, Executive Committee Meeting, 6PM
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This is an 11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication with WEAC members |
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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...
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The April 10-Minute Meeting topic:
The Just One Campaign
April 1st marks the kick off of the Just One Campaign! It's a friendly competition between all the local unions of Region 3 to bring on Just One new member this spring. Those that successfully sign up a new member will be entered to win a surprise that is sure to brighten your day! The ten-minute meeting is a great place to see who your team thinks they should ask.
Region 3 is hoping to make this a yearly tradition. We'll be using the Region 3 Members Only Facebook group to share wins and best practices over the next two months. Be sure to check it out and be part of the fun!
For more details about how the 10-minute meeting works, click here. For previous 10-minute meeting topics:
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MAKING EARLY ENROLLMENT WORK FOR YOUR UNION |
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Beginning April 1st potential members can join their local association and pay nothing until September 2021 (receiving up to 5 months free)!
This excludes representation, but it's still a great opportunity for interested parties to learn more about who your local union is and what you're working on!
From April to May members who bring on Just One new member to their local will be entered for a chance to win one of up to 10 $50 gift cards! Above is information about the Just One Campaign! Contact your director for forms or questions about the join online feature!
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Recertification Election for WTCS Locals
Voting will take place between noon on
Wednesday, April 7, and noon on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.
The following Region 3 WTCS locals are recertifying: FVTC ESPA, FVTC FA, Lakeshore EA, and NWTC ESS.
As a reminder, certification 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.
Recertification elections are unique in that all eligible employees who do not vote are counted as “NO” votes. Therefore, encourage ALL of your co-workers to VOTE "YES".
Additional Recert Voting Information:
- Your vote is secret.
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Please do not vote prior to noon April 7.
- The WERC will release the number of votes cast (not who or how) in each election at the mid-point of the voting period.
- Voting "Yes" does not obligate anyone to become a member.
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All employees in a bargaining unit vote, not just union members.
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If you have questions about the election process, click here for FAQs on recertification.
- If you have problems voting, call 1-800-529-5218 during the hours of 9 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday.
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If you are still having problems please report the issue to Region 3 at 920-496-2440, 800-472-5582 or email Region3@weac.org.
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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
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS IN MARCH:
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8!
We're stronger
every day!
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Spring Elections Are
April 6!
WEAC recommends Dr. Jill Underly for State Superintendent. Find out more about her at weac.org/elections.
To see WEAC's local recommendations, click HERE.
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Mar 23 thru Apr 4 - In-person early voting*
Apr 2 - Register at municipal clerk's office
Apr 6 - Register at polling place
*Check with your municipal clerk for specific days and times.
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Telling Your Education Story:
WEAC State Budget Workshop
Saturday, April 17, 9-11am
Join WEAC for a hands-on workshop about provisions in the proposed state budget, including a measure to allow educators to negotiate with our employers in areas such as school safety and predictable, stable salary schedules. You’ll learn tips and tricks from experts about how to use your personal experience with students to convey the need for educator voice, increased funding for special education, rural schools and mental health, and more. Leave with your story in hand to deliver to your legislators, along with skills you’ll use as you advocate for your students in the future.
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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.
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Due to popular demand, your union has extended WEAC Wednesday Webinars into May of 2021. Webinars are designed to support your ongoing professional learning, your students’ learning, and create efficiencies in your workflow. Sessions are just one hour long and are geared for active teacher members, educational support professionals (ESPs) and Aspiring Educators. Webinars are from 6-7 p.m. Only WEAC members will be given access to attend. Wednesday webinars are one of the many benefits of your union membership.
On April 7, 2021, NO SESSION – Spring Break
On April 14, 2021, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Book Study Part III. 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.
The registration link can be found HERE.
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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!
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WEAC Region 3
1136 N. Military Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54303.
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