Summer Update From RC 43 President
Hot and Exciting....does not even begin to describe the NYSUT activities for union officers, members and other unionists so far! Most of you are aware of the NYSUT RA successes (as a whole and for our RC 43) held in NYC in May. AND you know that success was followed by our own symposium in Orlando which was hugely successful due to the diligence of our Retiree Consultant Miriam Hanan.
Florida NYSUT retirees are making their presence and importance known not only across our adopted home but in our former home state as well. WE ARE IMPORTANT ! Our value is immeasurable to NYSUT and to the campaigns of every candidate. We are the largest, most consistent segment of eligible voters and the 'daytime army' of our union.
Following the May RA, the Florida AFL-CIO held their VOTE COPE Endorsing Convention in Miami at the end of June. There, all the Florida unions gathered to consider candidates running for offices across the entire state. FYI there are 10 Central Labor Councils in the Sunshine State. Each interviews local candidates running for county, congressional and school board races. Their recommendations (and reasons for support, rejection or 'no endorsement') are presented and the entire body determines whether to support their recommendations or not. Perspectives, priorities and justifications can be disputed but always in a tone of respect and civil discourse. If a CLC recommendation is not accepted, it requires a 2/3 vote of the entire body following discussion. Business is done in a very democratic and fair atmosphere despite some passionate debate!
Most recently, the AFT held its annual convention in Houston, TX. You may have seen some of its history making proceedings on the national news ! Randi Weingarten, alleged to be 'the most dangerous woman in the world' by her conservative critics, wanted the delegates to deviate from the normal order of business to endorse the Presidential Campaign of Kamala Harris. Their delight in doing so paid off.....VP Harris made her first presidential campaign speech to the delegates on Thursday and it was covered in its entirety by all the news outlets. AFT became the first and largest union to endorse the historic candidacy and Harris' speech was played in full on all the networks that night with others using it repeatedly over the next several days. Harris' candidacy and the AFT Convention message became inextricably tied . The mood in the convention hall was electrifying. And it is contagious! Across America money and volunteers are flooding in.
Randi's message throughout the convention was reminiscent of RFK's quote “Some people see things as they are and ask WHY? I dream of things that can be and ask WHY NOT?” She talked about the future and asked us to imagine it better, more fair, more equitable, cleaner, filled with possibilities and potential for every man, woman and child. Speakers like Shawn Fain of the UAW and others called for unity in the face of challenges and asked us all to dream bigger, better, then go forth and meet those challenges.
