When the president of Colorado WINS learned that the president of the United States might be targeting Denver next in his anti-immigration campaign of terror, she knew how she’d begin to mobilize. One simple thing Diane Byrne does is deck out her activists in matching T-shirts. Wearing union colors promotes team spirit and builds confidence, she says. The AFT Public Employees program and policy council, meeting in New York City Feb. 5-6, abounded with tips to help locals mobilize. PPC chair Gary Feist, president of North Dakota Public Employees, recommended finding members who can tell a personal story to draw media attention. With more media on the issue, he said, legislators will become more motivated to fix the problem.

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Federal immigration actions are rapidly expanding, with deadly consequences. The killings of poet Renee Nicole Good and nurse Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis have brought intense focus on the use of excessive force. An AFT webinar, co-hosted by AFT President Randi Weingarten and AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang on Jan. 28, featured experts on immigration and the law. It highlighted AFT resources and showcased how our locals are showing up to minimize fear and trauma.

Free Diabetes Self Management Workshop with Comfort Food Community.

RETIREE COUNCIL 10 SPRING CONFERENCE

The 2025 Spring Conference was held at Hudson Valley Community College on May 8. The day had an overarching theme related to health and wellness. RC 10 Vice President Cliff Brosnan began the day with information about RC 10 participation and upcoming events. NYSUT’s Capital District Regional Office Director Mike Rowan followed with a presentation about locals’ health insurance coverage for retirees. Greenville Superintendent Mike Bennett gave a moving talk about his personal and professional experiences related to school safety and the importance of supporting the mental health of students, faculty and staff in our schools. Member Benefits Specialist Derek Clement explained our continuing benefits and programs. He also brought along three door prizes! 

NYSUT President Melinda Person updated attendees about state and national cell phone restrictions in schools, as well as school budgets. Then, she led the attendees through a centering exercise that is part of the Kripalu RISE program. There is a three-session online RISE course offered in June through NYSUT’s ELT and is open to retirees. Contact Chris Fowler at chris.fowler@nysut.org if you would like more information.

After lunch, RC 10 honoree Jean Chenette spoke about the Center for Creative Retirement and Kimberly Williams explained the Community Education opportunities offered at HVCC. We wrapped up the day by getting active! Maria Parick led thirty participants in a Qi Gong session and a smaller group toured the Joe Bruno Valley Cats Stadium including the clubhouse, locker room, bullpen, guest suites and media rooms. Many RC 10 Board Members helped to make the day flow smoothly for all who attended.