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The Connection
1136 N. Military Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54303
920-496-2440
800-472-5582
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The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on January 18, 2021, is the 26th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
The Region 3 Office will be closed Monday, January 18, in observance of this day.
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Hello friends,
This January 18th, we celebrate and honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr., a giant in both the civil rights movement and in labor. Martin Luther King Jr. understood that the struggle for racial justice in America did not exist in a vacuum and was tied to the struggle for economic justice as well. Often seen at union rallies and picket lines, such as the Memphis Sanitation Worker’s Strike, he reminded us that we must fight for racial justice in our workplaces and within our own unions.
After reading "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" again I am reminded how King was trying to make this intersection understood and bridge the divide in unions, the religious community and our society as a whole. He was considered dangerous because he urged us to contemplate the economic impact of discrimination. “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” reads as if it could be written today. King asked us to understand the urgency of the oppressed. In the letter he advocates that Direct Action must go hand in hand with negotiation, that Direct Action is the only thing that gives the struggle of the oppressed visible life. Through Direct Action, we bring problems to the forefront and demand solutions for the betterment of our communities. Direct Action is a vehicle for positive change that all unions should embrace. We must continue to reflect and ask ourselves how we can use Direct Action to stand in solidarity with those fighting for racial and economic justice. We must challenge white supremacy where it exists and look for ways to make our own unions and organizations more equitable for all.
Often times MLK Day is acknowledged with a water-downed version of MLK’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech but I urge you to fully embrace his rich vision and fight for a future in which unions are active advocates of positive social change. The “I Have a Dream” speech is a beautiful sentiment but our children cannot co-exist in a meaningful way until they have the same resources and have their basic needs met.
In Solidarity,
Kristin Lytie
Regional Director
WEAC Region 3
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Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, January 26, Zone B Meeting, 5:30PM
Thursday, February 18, NBCT, 5PM
Wednesday, February 24, Executive Committee Meeting, 6PM
Wednesday, April 7, WEAC Pre-RA, 5PM
Friday-Saturday, April 23-24, WEAC RA
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Winter Recharge, has shaped up to be a well-rounded day. It's refreshing to have something fun to share. Now, let's get you registered.
You can check out the list of all workshops on Region 3's Facebook event page at:
*If you're a member and not part of the Region 3 Members Only Facebook group, you're missing out on a valuable opportunity to network with other leaders throughout the region!
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Important Dates for WTCS Locals:
Friday, January 22, 2021
Locals must notify the Region 3 office about their intention to file for the recertification election.
April 7 - 27, 2021
Voting period (complete details to follow).
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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 rather than later. Remember this is your responsibility!
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Trauma Informed Care
We have been hearing a lot of "catch phrases" over the past 8 pandemic-filled months. "Unprecedented times" and "We're in this together" are just a few. It is time to recognize the trauma we as educators are experiencing and how every day is a new challenge. The Green Bay Education Association (GBEA) Organizing Committee has been working diligently to organize an educational opportunity for all members. Please join GBEA members for a special professional development event featuring Ms. Jen Alexander on Saturday, February 6, 2021, from 9am-noon. Ms. Jen is a nationally known speaker on Trauma Informed Care. Her morning will focus on the trauma that educators are feeling as a part of working in this pandemic and ways to cope. Materials are being purchased through a generous grant from the National Education Association. Registration closes January 23rd, 2021!
Please use this link to sign up for this amazing Professional Development event. If you have any questions, please contact GBEA member Rachael Poppe.
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WEAC Join Now ONLINE
Member Sign Up
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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.
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Also added is the ability for members to update payment info, phone, address, etc. See the graphic below for details.
If you have trouble logging in, it may be because WEAC revamped their website, meaning members will have to register a new account using their member ID. If you don't know that number, please contact Region 3 via email or at 920-496-2440.
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You are Invited!
WR3's ALL-MEMBER
Virtual Gathering
Wednesday, February 10
4:30 - 5:30 pm
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Please note that you need to PRE-Register for the meeting by clicking on the link above. Then an email will be sent to you with the login link.
We look forward to SEEING you!
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The conversations at our ESP Check Ins and our SpecEd Networking meetings have overlapped so much we decided to combine them in an effort to capture the most momentum and bring more people together for one monthly meeting instead of two. Moving forward, we will be having these meetings as a space for our ESP and Special Ed members to share updates, network, and brainstorm solutions! Please join us on JANUARY 19 @ 4:30PM. REGISTER HERE
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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.
The registration link can be found HERE.
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Along with their Weekly Wednesday Webinars, WEAC has a full slate of professional learning opportunities for members this winter. They've included upcoming courses and more on a handy flier you can save or print out.
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Region 3/GBEA National Board Support Sessions
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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). |
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WEAC Scholarship Applications Due February 1
WEAC offers scholarships for future teachers, along with a variety of awards for members. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 1, 2021.
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And for Our Valued ESP Members
WEAC has an opportunity for our ESP members to get financial help to enhance your skills or further your career in the education field.
WEAC is offering two ESP scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to ESP members. Application deadline is February 1.
Additional information and the application to apply, along with other ESP resources, are at weac.org/esp.
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The Wisconsin Labor History Society announces its Essay Contest for the 2020-2021 School Year for Wisconsin high school students (Grades 9-12). Win cash prizes up to $500. Write essays of about 750 words on the topic:
"Unions have been important to my family and my community because. . ."
Deadline for submitting essays is February 15.
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Teachers Retirement Board Calls for Nominations
The process to elect Teachers Retirement Board members has begun. There are three seats available for Wisconsin Retirement System active teachers. Self-nominations are the first step in the process. If you’re interested in serving on the Board and are an active WRS covered teacher (excluding those employed by the Milwaukee Public School District), download the nomination materials or contact the Department of Employee Trust Funds as soon as possible to ensure you have time to gather signatures and return the paperwork. Nomination information can be found here.
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Are You Getting WEAC Advocacy Alerts? |
Sign up now for WEAC Education Advocacy Alerts so you get all the latest news regarding the Superintendent race, and a round up of other election and legislative news.
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WEAC Region 3
1136 N. Military Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54303
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