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The Connection
1136 N. Military Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54303
920-496-2440
800-472-5582
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Hello all,
Recertification – VOTE “YES” - A recent thought I had: what if the Beastie Boys changed their song from “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” to “No Rest Till Recert?” I think the tune would be very popular amongst our Local Unions who are recertifying this year. After all, recertification is a lot of work. But, the work shouldn’t fall on just one or two leaders – please take some time this week to help out your Local Union in its recertification efforts. And if you’re a Local Leader, don’t be afraid to enlist the help of your members. There are several easy ways members can help:
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Ask both members and potential members to vote and explain why having a voice through the union matters to you. 5 minute task.
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Offer to pass out and distribute flyers with voting information on non-work time. 10 minute task.
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Offer to text members and potential members a reminder to vote. Contact your Region 3 Director if you’re interested in getting trained on our Hustle texting program. 30 minute – 2 hour task, depending on Local Union’s size.
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Post a reminder to vote on your Local Union’s Facebook Page. 1 minute task.
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If your leaders haven’t sent out a reminder email with voting information using district email, encourage them to do so! This is one of the few times where it is acceptable to utilize district email for union business! 5 minute task.
- Ask your leaders if there are any other ways that you can help!
Please remember, every vote matters. Non-votes are counted as “NO” votes; so, we must make sure that we are mobilizing all of our “YES” voters! Recertification election voting window reached its mid-point today will end on Monday, November 22 at noon. The end vote totals and percentage of “YES” votes will be public information – meaning your district will see just how many supporters your Local Union has. This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate strength through numbers. If you find yourself overwhelmed, confused, or not sure where to begin, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Region 3 Director for support. We have a ton of recertification materials that we are happy to share and would love to assist with creating a communications plan to get out the vote!
In Solidarity,
Erin Karsten
Regional Director
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Upcoming Events:
January 13, Thursday, Zone C Meeting, 5PM
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Winning Your Recertification Election
Voting began at noon on Tuesday, November 2
and ends at noon on Monday, November 22
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."
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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.
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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!
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American Education Week is November 15-19. Each day of the week has its own theme to honor the professionals who work in public schools, from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker and administrative staff, plus countless others.
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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!
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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!
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Student Loan Forgiveness Informational Clinic November 16
WEAC Region 6 is offering an informational clinic focusing on recent changes to Public Service Loan Forgiveness and what the changes could mean for you and your colleagues. The virtual informational clinic is Tuesday, November 16, from 5 to 6:00 p.m. via Zoom video conference.
After hearing from tens of thousands of NEA members from Wisconsin and throughout the United States about the shortcomings of Public Service Loan Forgiveness, President Joe Biden’s administration announced in October that there would be an overhaul of the program. The changes are intended to forgive student debt of educators and other public service employees that could help more than 500,000 borrowers.
Region 6’s informational clinic will review the announced changes and highlight resources that borrowers would need to tap into to navigate the new landscape. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and learn more.
Registration for the informational clinic is required. After you register you will be sent a link to join the virtual meeting on November 16. If you have questions about the informational clinic, email Region 6 director John Wedge or call the Region 6 office at 800-397-2287.
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Next Region 3/GBEA National Board Support Session - November 18
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).
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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.
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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.
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Awards & Scholarships
WEAC sponsors college scholarships for future teachers, along with awards honoring Wisconsin Public School educators and advocates.
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Live Webinars Scheduled for November/December 2021
ETF is offering a series of 30-minute, live, interactive webinars designed to increase your understanding of Wisconsin Retirement System benefits. Individuals can also ask questions at the end of these sessions. Visit their webinar page to learn more. Here is what others have said about their webinars:
- My participation in the webinar was a first for me, and I just want to compliment you on how easy it was to connect, follow along, and provide questions or requests. Excellent job!"
- "Thanks for having these valuable webinars. The professional but conversational style helped me to understand the presentation as easily as an "in office" meeting. Really appreciate that the presenter fully understands the subject. Wonderful job."
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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.
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This is an 11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication with WEAC members |
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WEAC Region 3
1136 N. Military Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54303.
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