A Message from Jessica Tang
I know I don’t need to remind you - but we are only a few days out from one of the most critical election day our nation has ever faced.
This isn’t about party affiliation anymore. This is about more than protecting rights for workers and unions. This is about more than protecting reproductive freedom. This is about more than fighting to preserve basic human rights or the fight for a better economic plan that actually helps working people, not just billionaires. Of course all of these policy positions matter, but 4 days before Election Day, it’s clear this is about the fate of our nation.
The hate-filled rally Trump and Vance held at Madison Square Garden earlier this week was just one more reminder of what we can expect if Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office. A vitriolic and divided America where the civil liberties and rights of the many are erased while the power and wealth of the few are multiplied. Unprecedented numbers of Republican military leaders, staff and elected leaders are speaking up to warn us all.
We know how this will play out because as Maya Angelu said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
As public educators, our work extends beyond the classroom to include advocacy for economic, social, and racial justice within our communities. Our advocacy doesn’t end when the bell rings. Teachers unions have and will continue to play a critical role in the fight for justice and equality. AFT Massachusetts members across the state are working to get out the vote for Harris/Walz. Through weekly phone banking and door knocking, they’ve made contact with several hundreds of voters in New Hampshire. Members are also traveling to knock doors in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state.
With so much on the line, we have to look outside the comfort of the Commonwealth. Talk to friends and family in other regions about the issues and fundamental rights at stake. We are facing an existential crisis. It’s our civic duty not only to vote, but to get out the vote. To help ensure the voices fighting for freedom, democracy, and economic progress are heard. I truly believe that when union members come together and organize together, that’s how we’re able to improve our communities and the lives of our neighbors.
America’s unions make up the grassroots force that will elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to continue the work of the most pro-labor, pro-worker, pro-public education administration in American history—because organizing is what we do. Nationally, the AFT has over half a million members and family members in battleground states. The conversations we have—member to member, coworker to coworker—matter. In our closely divided country, union members can make the difference in elections up and down the ballot. We rallied last weekend in New Hampshire with AFT President Randi Weingarten, who also joined us earlier this week for a YES ON 2 Press Conference in support of the ballot question in Massachusetts to eliminate the MCAS graduation requirement. I also urge you to watch President Weingarten’s interview with historian Heather Cox Richardson.
It's not too late to get involved. We have a few opportunities left. It's now or never to get out the vote:
- This weekend is also the last weekend to get out the vote! Join a labor walk in New Hampshire in Nashua or Concord: https://www.mobilize.us/nhaflcio/
- Join our phonebank for YES ON QUESTION 2 on Monday, November 4 here
- You can find a list of all volunteer opportunities at https://aftmassachusetts.tiny.us/Volunteer
I and a few others will be in PA door-knocking and getting out the vote the days leading up to the election. If you or your members want to join us, please fill out this form. It’s not too late. You can see all opportunities and also helpful information about what’s at stake at aftvotes.org
Check Your Ballot Status
It’s a busy time of year for everyone - especially educators. We know many of you are taking advantage of the fact that Massachusetts now gives voters the ability to vote by mail.
If you voted by mail or requested a ballot, you can check the status of your ballot here.
Please remember that you can show up to your polling location on Election Day and vote in-person if your mail-in ballot was either (1) not sent in; (2) not received by the clerk; or (3) rejected for an error.
Now more than ever, it’s important to make sure your vote has been cast and your voice has been heard!
Boston Partners in Education Annual Gala
On October 10, I was honored to be recognized at Boston Partners in Education’s annual gala.
This year marks 58 years of BPIE’s work in the Boston Public Schools at the intersection of community, commitment, and connection.
As a longtime Board Member and advocate for BPiE, it was a wonderful night celebrating the strong partnerships between our public schools and this vital community organization.
After years in the Boston Public Schools and beginning my career as a student tutor and mentor, it felt like the event was really bringing me full circle. You can read more here.
Democracy Hangs in the Balance in Lawrence
We have been working closely with the Lawrence Teachers’ Union to try and stop the Mayor’s recent power grab attempts to completely upend the governance of the Lawrence Public Schools. Unfortunately, it took a turn this week.
Since May, the mayor and members of the City Council have repeatedly tried to change the makeup of the Lawrence School Committee – shifting it from a democratically-elected committee to one stacked with Mayoral appointees. The Lawrence City Council voted the Mayor’s plan down twice. But, in a stunning change, the City Council took up the issue again this week – with proponents pushing through the home rule petition - against the will of the people, the teachers, and the families of Lawrence.
It’s important to note that the Mayor and his supporters are trying to spin this as being a necessary change for Lawrence Public Schools to leave state receivership - but this is just not true. First of all, both the Secretary of Education and Acting Commissioner of DESE have pledged to work with the elected school committee when it comes time to move out of receivership. Secondly, DESE announced this week that the Holyoke Public Schools were now in the process of moving out of receivership – after the state had worked closely with Holyoke’s democratically-elected school committee and Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia in developing the preliminary plan to move the schools back under local control.
It’s now up to our state officials to stop this undemocratic power grab and the AFT promises to continue to work with the LTU and other local unions supporting people who live and work in the city, including the Lawrence Federation of Paraprofessionals, the City of Lawrence Administrative Support Staff Association, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, and the Merrimack Valley Central Labor Council, to do everything we can to protect the way our schools are governed in Lawrence. Please read and share the letter we collectively sent the City Council about the Mayor’s plan to strip the people of Lawrence of their rights, which will have grave consequences for the schools for decades to come.
AFTMA Voices
We are always looking for the next AFT Member to highlight for our AFTMA Voices series! Please consider adding to our collection by filling out our form. Feel free to share it with other members you think may be interested!!
Updates
Over the past month, we’ve been focused on field actions across the state - including: weekly actions in support of the Cambridge Public Library Staff Association in their negotiations for a new contract, heightened attendance of silent reps in Chelsea, and the continuation of our strong campaign to oppose charter expansion in Lynn and Salem. In addition, many locals are conducting bargaining surveys and listening sessions in preparation for 2025 contract negotiations.
Upcoming Events for AFT Massachusetts Members
The Role of Unions in Elections and Democracy A Harvard Kennedy School Online Event Featuring AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang! This event is online-only and registration is required. A recording will be made available after the event’s conclusion.
The Ash Center encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its events. Should you wish to enquire about an accommodation, please contact our events team at info@ash.harvard.edu. Click here to learn more and to register for the November 1st event.
Retirement Planning Workshop for Public Sector AFT Members AFT Massachusetts is hosting an in-person retirement planning workshop for all public sector members!
- When: Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 10 am to 12 pm
- Where: Higgins Middle School (85 Perkins Avenue, Peabody, MA)
- Who: Public Sector AFT Members
The financial professionals of Teacher Retirement Solutions (TRS) have partnered with AFT Massachusetts and specialize in providing independent financial guidance, strategies and solutions to educators, school employees, librarians and their families throughout New England. Join TRS’ John Gregorio, a Certified Financial Planner for a comprehensive workshop for prospective retirees. Topics will include: the Massachusetts' public employee retirement formula, Social Security, and living in retirement. Register HERE.
Asian American Women in Leadership (AAWIL) Conference - Connect. Inspire. Grow Together. The Asian American Women in Leadership (AAWIL) Conference is a vibrant one-day conference that draws Asian American women and girls to connect, inspire, and grow together.
Saturday, November 9, 2024 - Simmons University
Through talks, workshops, and discussions, the conference provides a forum for a cross-generational community of Asian American girls and women to share experiences and learn from one another. Click here to learn more and to register.
UMass Dartmouth Labor Education Center's 49th Anniversary Banquet - click here to learn more and for tickets!
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - UMass Dartmouth
Honoring
- Randi Weingarten -President, American Federation of Teachers
- Doug Nelson - Business Manager, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 223
- Nadine Sebai and Nina Sparling - The Public's Radio, PBS/FRONTLINE
- Workers at Ryder Truck New Bedford, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 59
Solidarity Section
The closures of Carney Hospital, Nashoba Valley Medical Center, and Norwood Hospital have exacerbated the healthcare crisis for many of our neediest residents in communities throughout the Commonwealth. Please sign and share this petition to Gov. Healey and demand that our closed hospitals open!
AFT Member Benefits Program
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