AFT New Mexico Council Meetings

Council was advised of and discussed State-wide staffing.
Relationship—current and looking forward—between AFT New Mexico and NEA was the topic of considerable discussion.
AFT NM May Convention was reviewed: deadlines for Resolutions, Nominations, John O. Mitchell Award, per caps COPE Raffles, etc.
This summer’s Leadership Retreat is in Ruidoso, NM at the Inn of the Mountain Gods! New Leaders—and everyone else—will love it!
AFT National Convention will be held in Minneapolis. It is AFT’s 100th Anniversary!
Excellent discussion was held on Member Engagement and its importance.
Liz Gravning provided a scrumptious lunch for us all. [which is NOT easy considering everyone’s health and religious needs!]
THANKS, LIZ!!! )
AFT SAPO presented on upcoming State Elections, and COPE recommendations were reviewed and finalized.
Bargaining 101 Training was given in the afternoon and continued on Sunday to noon.
Additional information on the aforementioned topics will be given at the MCFUSE General Membership Meeting on Saturday, April 16,
2016 SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, May 4th, 2016 “Wear Black & Walk-In” for Public Education in New Mexico

• After a welcomed Continental Breakfast, Execs got straight to work with the usual housekeeping: Call to Order, the Pledge of Allegiance, Approval of Agenda, Financials, Minutes, etc.
  
• AFT-NM was introduced to the new VP for Early Learning. (Looked about the same age as the rest of us!)
  
• Discussion was held concerning “Organizing Blitzes” in the locals…I was very excited when I misread this as “blintzes”…..
  
• Executive Council received presentations on the NIAE, Houston Regional, SNTE and the Community School Conferences.
  
• It will soon be time to have those Legislative Receptions!
  
• Execs were updated on the Teacher Evaluation Lawsuit. Stephanie Ly and Kathy Chavez had everyone in tears as they reminisced about Staff Rep Joe Angel Hill who has retired.
  
• MCFUSE President spoke words of gratitude and presented Joe Hill with an engraved plaque and a Pendleton Blanket [with embroidered name] on behalf of the Executive Board and membership of MCFUSE.

• Presentation by Julie Koob of Planned Parenthood New Mexico which was followed by questions and commentary.
  
• Executive Council received Update on Back to School & membership.
  
• Executive Council received Update and discussed Teacher Evaluation Lawsuits.
  
• Discussion was held on 2016 Legislative Session.
  
• AFT-NM President gave Update on Arbitration. Working Lunch was held during which debriefing was given on Summer Retreat.
  
• Local Presidents gather in small groups to update Local Plans.

• Meeting began with coffee and a continental breakfast with the newly elected Local Presidents.
• Mike Swisher, Central CLC, spoke on United Way of Albuquerque. He provided information on what the organization does and guidelines for assistance.
• Land Commissioner Ray Powell addressed the Council, giving update on issues, the importance of the Commission on Education in New Mexico, etc.
• President Stephanie Ly invited Locals to select members to join AFT committees.
• Council reviewed staffing changes, Defense Fund, and the Organizing Report.
• Local Reports were heard at the “Round Table.” Council discussed the 2013-14 Legislative Platform and Issue Advocacy.
• Council was informed of Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s itinerary (Albuquerque, Socorro, Santa Fe, and Deming) as he was arriving in New Mexico on Monday, September 9, 2013. AFT Officials met with Mr. Duncan on issues.
• Council received update on lawsuit [writ of mandamus] filed by AFT New Mexico.
• Quote “Politicians are like warts on the body of society. And the only thing worse than warts are lawyers and lobbyists.” ― Jarod Kintz, Who Moved My Choose?: An Amazing Way to Deal With Change by Deciding to Let Indecision Into Your Life