| 8:00 - 9:00 am |
Continental Breakfast |
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Grand Ballroom Foyer |
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| 8:30 am - 3pm |
Registration |
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Grand Ballroom Foyer |
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| 9:30am - 10:45am |
Plenary Panel Discussion: Culture Wars Impact on Public Education: Protecting academic integrity. |
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Grand Ballroom CD |
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| 10:45 am - noon |
Committee Meetings |
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Political Action |
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Discovery B |
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Constitutional Amendments |
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Grand Ballroom B |
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Resolutions |
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Discovery C |
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Retirees |
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Innovation |
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Educational Issues |
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Grand Ballroom A |
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Legislation |
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Discovery A |
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| 12:15 PM |
Luncheon |
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Grand Ballroom CD |
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Keynote Speakers: AFT President Randi Weingarten, PA Governor Josh Shapiro |
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| 2:00 PM |
Credentials and Nominations & Elections Committees Joint Meeting |
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(By invitation only) |
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USS New Jersey |
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| 2:15 - 3:30 pm |
Workshops |
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From Organizing to Leading: Cultivating a Culture of Collective Action |
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Columbus Ballroom A |
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Facilitator: Shelly Wen, AFT PA Union Organizer |
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Explore practical strategies and delve into the realities of member organizing, activist development, collective action and leadership progression. Gain insights into effective communication, relationship-building, and training approaches. We will address challenges faced by our locals in engaging their members and nurturing their leaders. Together, we will explore evidence-based practices to help overcome these challenges and foster a culture of active participation and effective advocacy. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow educators, organizers and leaders in an effort to empower our members, foster a culture of involvement, and develop leaders who can guide and advocate for the needs of our profession and the future of educators in Pennsylvania. |
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Navigating Grievances and Arbitrations: Strategies for Success |
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Grand Ballroom B |
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Facilitator: Jim Rihel, AFT PA Staff Representative |
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Delve into the world of grievances and arbitrations. Equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies necessary to effectively navigate workplace conflicts and secure fair treatment. Explore the purpose and procedures of the grievance process, learn how to initiate and navigate a grievance, and discover winning strategies for arbitration. Through real-life examples and practical tips, participants will gain insights on building strong cases, communicating concerns effectively, and maintaining professionalism during challenging situations. |
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Union Strong: Building and Sustaining Meaningful Member Engagement |
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Discovery B |
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Facilitator: Walt Michalski & Carol Mintus, AFT PA Staff Representatives |
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Explore strategies for engaging members, energizing your union community, and sustaining meaningful involvement over time. Through interactive discussion and real-life examples, participants will analyze barriers that hinder member engagement and develop routes to overcome them. We will examine the design and implementation of strategies like clear communication channels, opportunities for involvement, feedback mechanisms, social events, and tailored professional development programs. We will address challenges faced in sustaining member engagement and share insights for creating actionable plans for long-term success. |
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Power to the Paras- AFT Pennsylvania PROUD |
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Discovery C |
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Facilitator: Sarah Robbins, AFT PA Executive Director |
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"Power to Paras: AFT Pennsylvania PROUD" is an inclusive and interactive workshop designed to empower paraprofessional members and leaders of all experience levels. Discover the PROUD acronym - Paras Ready Organized Unified and Determined. Through discussions and activities, we will explore strategies and skills we utilize to thrive despite challenges. This workshop recognizes the wealth of knowledge and expertise already present among our paraprofessional members. We want to hear about the specific challenges you've faced, the achievements you’ve had, the value of supported mentorship, the skills you wish to acquire, and the qualities you admire most in exceptional paraprofessionals. Join us for a collaborative experience that celebrates the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our AFT PA paraprofessionals. Together, let's cultivate an environment of growth, support, and professional evolution. Be a foundational part of the PROUD movement and shape the future of paraprofessional excellence in Pennsylvania. |
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Holding Your School Board Accountable |
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Discovery A |
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Facilitator: Krisann Selbst, AFT PA Staff Representative |
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Discuss strategies and tools for holding your school board accountable to safeguard principles of equity and quality education. As local teacher union leaders and members, your role in advocating for your colleagues, students and communities is crucial. Explore communication channels, data utilization, community mobilization, coalition building, global examples of accountability and advocacy. Together, let's ensure that harmful and hate filled agendas do not undermine equity in schools and the quality of education for our students. Join us to learn, share, and strengthen your ability to create positive change. |
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Treasurers’ Training for Effective Union Management: Financial Stewardship, Fiscal Responsibilities and Maintaining Compliance |
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Columbus Ballroom C |
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Facilitators: LeShawna Coleman, AFT PA Treasurer |
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Mario DeClerico, PFT Local #3 Controller |
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In this workshop, we will provide treasurers of AFT Pennsylvania locals with the essential tools and knowledge to effectively manage union finances while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. This session aims to empower treasurers by preparing them with practical skills and strategies to maintain financial integrity within their respective affiliates. |
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Key topics to be covered include: |
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• Understanding and implementing financial best practices for union management. |
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• Navigating compliance requirements and reporting obligations. |
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• Basics of understanding dues reports and making per capita payments |
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• Efficient record-keeping and bookkeeping practices. |
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• Maximizing transparency and accountability in financial transactions. |
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Storytelling for Intergenerational Union Organizing: A Film Screening and Discussion |
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Grand Ballroom A |
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Facilitator: Pat Collangelo |
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Film screening and discussion of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Retiree Chapter documentary, “Get Off Your Knees”. This documentary recounts the dynamic history of the PFT400 and the establishment of public sector collective bargaining in Pennsylvania. We know that we have many retired members of AFT and AFT PA that have many stories to tell of union victories that have led us to the progress in working conditions that we have today. This film screening and discussion is also an opportunity for our retirees to build community, share stories, and organize. We are taking this opportunity to come together at convention to support retiree organizing as the state federation. |
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3:45 pm Statewide Elections (If necessary) |
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THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING REGIONAL ELECTIONS SHOULD PICK UP MATERIALS IN USS OLYMPIA AND RETURN ELECTION RESULTS SHEETS TO USS OLYMPIA BY 4:30 PM |
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| 3:45 - 4:30 pm |
Regional Vice President Elections |
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Philadelphia |
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Grand Ballroom A |
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Pittsburgh |
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Grand Ballroom B |
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Southwest |
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Innovation |
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Southeast |
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Columbus Ballroom A |
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Northwest |
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Discovery A |
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Central |
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Discovery B |
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Northeast |
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Discovery C |
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Colleges |
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Columbus Ballroom B |
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| 7:00 – 11:00 pm |
Special Evening Activity: |
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AFT PA Education Champion Awards Banquet |
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Grand Ballroom |
