#StrongerTogether #UnionProud #UnionStrong

As you know, the situation surrounding coronavirus is very fluid and continues to evolve. Currently, all Pierce County schools are closing until at least April 24. There is a lot of uncertainty facing us, not just as educators, but as the people and families who are living with this outbreak. Please know that your health, and that of your families, loved ones, students, colleagues, and communities remains of utmost importance.  (Check out these familie resources collected by educators and parents)

For the most up-to-date info on events, please connect with your local leadership. 

We are fighting to ensure that our members remain economically whole while we coordinate with others to safeguard individuals and communities across our state. Each of your local presidents will meet with representatives of the respective districts as soon as possible. Because each local union has its own contract with the district, these issues must be agreed to by each local and school district.

As a reminder, take these measures to reduce the risk of getting sick:

• wash our hands often,
• clean common areas,
• cover coughs and sneezes, and
• stay home if we're not feeling well.

Please stay safe and healthy and connect with your local leadership to address specific questions. 

#PD4Educators

WEA Hosts Online Trainings

#PD4Educators The Washington Education Association’s Special Education Support Center (SESC) and Inclusionary Practices Project (IPP) are offering courses online. Our schedule of courses (with registration links) for the week of 4/6/2020. Registration is open. Clock hours will be provided. Courses are free and are open to 400 registrants will receive the Zoom.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CNcjzPHdoR8MZwkuoIiq7yEgVBNgSpBF?usp=sharing.

Soundview PD

Register online at  https://mysoundview.square.site/s/shop

EDUCATOR SELF-CARE
Register Online: https://mysoundview.square.site/s/shop, hosted at Soundview, 6132 Motor Ave SW, Lakewood

Participants will utilize ProQOL test to do a self-assessment of their levels of compassion satisfaction, burn-out, and secondary traumatic stress. Information will be provided on developing a personal self-care plan. As part of the Partners in Prevention program, you will get the expertise from the WEA's partner with Crisis Connections https://www.crisisconnections.org/about/ Dinner & Clock Hours Included in the $50.00 cost.

MAY 16, 2020, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM (rescheduled from Mar 21)

SOUTH SOUND SATURDAY SCHOOL

Register Online: https://action.washingtonea.org/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=426216 

• Event is being hosted at Steilacoom High School.
• Read about the 2020 course offerings.
• Registration is $35 for WEA members. 

April 23, 2020, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM will be re-scheduled

Supporting Students' Social and Emotional Learning "Why are you doing this?" (3 Clock Hours, Classified & Cert members)

SAVE THE DATE!  Aug 7 - 9
Family Camp with your Union (Hosted by Soundview)

Registration (Google Form-- https://forms.gle/KMrRF9Ueh52W9DHH8 )

Soundview UniServ Council is hosting the 1st Annual Summer Camp at Miracle Ranch 15999 Sidney Rd SW, Port Orchard, WA 98367) on Friday, Aug 7 & Sunday, Aug 9. Join the team from Soundview UniServ Council, as we try to pack the camp with 150 campers. Sleeping accommodations in cabins will be arranged in step 3 (see below).

Gather your family and friends to enjoy the serenity and inspiration of nature through this low-cost camping experience. Campers can enjoy campground favorites including swimming, horse back riding, crafts, campfire songs, and s’mores. Meals are prepared by the Miracle Ranch staff. There are some meal substitutions available, but if the dietary restrictions are specific, please feel free to bring your own food and store in the kitchen. 

Check-in begins at 4 pm on Friday and the event ends at 11:30 am on Sunday morning. Additional details about supplies and a schedule of activities will be provided to guests upon registration. No day of registrations will be accepted. 

A registration fee of $25 per family (includes lodging, food and activities)

Family-friendly festivities include:

• Live music
• Games, and a s’mores bar
• Swimming
• Horseback Riding
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Sand volleyball
• Gaga Ball
• Playground access

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH CHILD CARE

If you choose to participate in professional development classes, we will provide child-care and activities. Classes we are looking at offering:

• ParaEducator Certification Classes
• Culturally Responsive Classroom Management
• True Colors – Understanding student behavior
• Implicit Bias
• Special Education

What to bring

• A chair or blanket for singing around the ‘campfire’
• Swim wear
• Hiking shoes
• Comfortable clothes for playing or hanging around

PARTICIPATION IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3!

Step 1: Registration (Google Form-- https://forms.gle/KMrRF9Ueh52W9DHH8 )

Step 2: Pay Online (Square Up) - To be sent in March

Step 3: Second Survey (Google Form) -- To be sent in April

Step 4: Confirmation Info Letter (printed - sent to home) -- To be sent in May

POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS

Children must be accompanied by a paid adult. Alcohol, smoking and pets are not permitted, with the exception of service animals. 

Registration

Camp Out cost is $25 per group and pre-registration is required. Questions? Phone 253-582-1822 or visit a Soundview UniServ Council. Registration will close on March 30th at 3:00 pm.

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There is no gift from the Freedom Foundation.
Click here for more information: Frequently Asked Questions: Freedom Foundation vs. WEA 

They Say ... We offer attorneys to cancel union membership

We Say ... We offer attorneys to support grievances

They Say ... Pay for our educational insurance when you cancel your membership

We Say ... Your educational insurance up to $1 Million already covers members

They Say ... Union membership costs money

We Say ... Union membership gives you a voice in the workplace

They Say ... You have a right to pay union dues

We Say ... You have the right to stand up without retribution to poor working conditions

Collective bargaining has always been the bedrock of the American labor movement. I hope that you will continue to anchor your movement to this foundation. Free collective bargaining is good for the entire Nation. In my view, it is the only alternative to State regulation of wages and prices - a path which leads far down the grim road of totalitarianism. Those who would destroy or further limit the rights of organized labor - those who would cripple collective bargaining or prevent organization of the unorganized - do a disservice to the cause of democracy.

John F. Kennedy 

               The collective bargaining agreement, or contract, establishes the rights and working conditions (including pay) for the members of CPEA, ESPCP, SCEA, SEA, UPCA, UPEA, and UPOP. Collective bargaining is the process used by the members of ESPCP to advocate for improved working conditions, fair wages, and to set limits on the power of the employer to act without representation.

 
      The power of collective bargaining is the power of the group to take united action. One employee has little power or influence and can easily be dismissed as a complainer or malcontent. Together, speaking with one voice at the bargaining table, ESPCP can promote the common interests and ideas of all members to address workplace issues.
  
     Through collective bargaining, you have the protection of due process and the ability to use the grievance process in situations where a supervisor or the employer acts unfairly or arbitrarily. Collective bargaining increases the wages and hours of employees in the bargaining unit. Over the last five years wages in our classified units have increased more than 25% on average. These are real gains for members worth thousands of dollars each year and would not have been possible without collective bargaining.
 
     In addition, member issues that involve potential loss of hours, layoff, transfer, and evaluation can all be addressed using the collective bargaining agreement, and the contract language providing employee protection is reinforced and improved as part of the bargaining process.
 
     The contractual agreement between the your local union and the District provides a venue for members of the bargaining unit to meet management as equals and stand up for the rights of workers to be treated with the respect they deserve, the respect they earn doing the important work that is necessary in providing a quality education of the students they serve.