Dear Brothers and Sisters, we are still on a high from the celebration of our AFT charter. It was wonderful to be in a room with people who had actually been brave enough to sign that charter 50 years ago. All the history that they have to impart about what it was like before an organized union and when basic working conditions were not respected. Our long history shows that the FFT has always had champions who, despite negative connotations about unions, knew they had to stand up for themselves in a united way. We were also proud to have the NYSUT President and Secretary/Treasurer in attendance. Not only did they bring greetings of congratulations but they also accepted our donation on behalf of the charter signers to the NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund to benefit other NYSUT members in need.
We also need to remember that part of learning our history is to reflect on the strength of being united for the cause of education and unionism. I remind you that in a couple of weeks there are midterm elections upon us. If you are not able to attend a phone bank, or take part in labor walk we definitely ask you to research the NYSUT endorsed candidates in our area. They have either a history of supporting education or have been promoting themselves as teacher friendly, education friendly or union friendly. No matter the party, it's vital that we look at the agenda of everyone running. We are asking that you make your voice heard and vote.
Lastly I want to thank everyone who was a part of our Making Strides Team. Thank you to everyone who was able to come out to Jones Beach and walk with us and to everyone who donated. Stomping out breast cancer is something I know we all want to see sooner rather than later.
