Professional Staff Learn From Each Other

On October 22nd, eighteen Professional Staff members participated in the Performance-Based Promotion workshop at which the guidelines and procedures were reviewed. The highlight of the workshop was the presentation given by Linda Flynn, who shared how she prepared her successful application packet.  Participants learned how to be strategic with the information included in their applications and what pitfalls to avoid. AFT Local 1904 thanks Linda for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her experience with her Professional Staff colleagues. 

The University announced this year's application process via email on October 27th. Applications are due on January 19, 2016 to President Cole. If you have any questions about the process, please reach out to Susan Hagen @ susan.hagen@aftlocal1904.org or Jennifer Higgins @ jennifer.higgins@aftlocal1904.org. 

New Jersey Requirements for Campus Emergency Preparedness

Throughout the last fifteen years or so, the U.S. has unfortunately seen a number of shootings involving colleges and universities. One of the biggest shootings at Virginia Tech in 2007 led New Jersey governor Jon Corzine to address New Jersey's campus security in an effort to produce reliable and efficient emergency plans. A state law was signed in 2012 that made these emergency plans a requirement for all colleges and universities. This includes annual emergency drills. AFT Local 1904 President Rich Wolfson was recently quoted in the Trentonian regarding his take on Montclair State University’s preparedness in active shooter situations. 

What the newspaper failed to quote was that President Wolfson also said that although we do have a Comprehensive Emergency Plan, few of our community have ever seen the plan, even fewer would know what to do in an emergency and we have never had a drill to see if there are any areas of the plan that needs to be strengthened. And, as it concerns an active shooter, most of our classrooms cannot be locked from the inside.

[read the full article here]

AAUW Accepting Application for Career Development Grants

The American Association of University Women is accepting applications for its Career Development Grants program, which assists women who, through additional higher education, technical training, or participation in a professional development institute, are making career changes, seeking to advance in their current careers, or re-entering the workforce.

Grants of up to $12,000 will be awarded in support of coursework toward a degree program other than a doctorate or for specialized training in a technical or professional field. Primary consideration will be given to women of color, women pursuing credentials in a non-traditional field, and women who do not currently hold an advanced degree.

Career Development Grants are open to women who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; hold an earned (not honorary) bachelor’s degree; received their bachelor’s degree on or before June 30, 2011; do not hold an earned (not honorary) graduate or professional degree; and plan to enroll or are enrolled in courses/activities that are required for professional employment or advancement. [learn more]

Additional Superstorm Sandy Funds Available for AFTNJ Members

From Nat T. Bender, AFTNJ

After Superstorm Sandy devastated our state three years ago, AFT and AFTNJ worked to identify members who had been impacted and assist in recovery. We supported the efforts of local food banks and provided information and referrals to the organizations providing direct assistance to families impacted by the storm.

The union elected to provide direct financial support to those who suffered monetary damages due to the storm when their homes or vehicles were damaged. More than 125 members applied for assistance and more than 100 of those applications were approved to provide some financial relief to members affected by the storm. “While we realize the amount we offered would not pay the lion share of bills incurred, we hoped at the time having a quick infusion of funds made life somewhat more bearable,” said AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera.

In October 2015, the AFTNJ Executive Board approved additional support in the amount of $250.00 for any member who continues to suffer hardships due to Superstorm Sandy. These funds will be available to any full member of an AFTNJ affiliate or an AFTNJ retiree. Fair representation fee payers are not eligible to apply. Losses are considered per household, not by member; each household should submit one request. To apply for this support, please provide a brief narrative of the hardship you experienced and/or are still experiencing as a result of the storm. If you were among those who received assistance from AFT/AFTNJ in the past please indicate so we can refer to your original application.

All narratives should be sent to:

Krista Sweeney, Assistant to the President, AFTNJ
629 Amboy Ave., Suite 301, Edison, NJ 08837
fax to 732-661-1776 or email
American Federation of Teachers New Jersey (AFTNJ)
629 Amboy Ave
Edison, NJ 08837-3579
732-661-9393 (office)
732-661-1776 (fax)
908-377-0393 (cell)
nbender@aftnj.org
www.aftnj.org
www.facebook.com/aftnj
@aftnj

Requests must be received by January 6, 2016 for review by a subcommittee of the executive board on January 13, 2016. Please include all contact information including a non-work email, phone number and mailing address.

If you have any questions contact our office at 732-661-9393. 

First Reading of a motion to amend the Local 1904 Constitution and Bylaws to provide for a Specialist Coordinator on the Officers Group

At the October 14th General Union Meeting a motion to amend the Local 1904 Constitution and corresponding Bylaws was introduced for a first reading. This change, if approved, would provide representation for Instructional and Clinical Specialists on the Local 1904 Officers group by establishing a Specialist Coordinator.

Our Constitution requires that a first reading take place at a General Union Meeting with the motion to amend documents then distributed to full members only. A vote is taken on the documents at the next General Union Meeting which takes a two-thirds majority of all members voting to pass the revisions.  This vote will take place at the November 11th General Union Meeting and again, only full dues paying members can vote.

The resolution to change the constitution is posted here. If you have any amendments to the resolution, bring those to the General Union Meeting on November 11th for consideration.

Local 1904's Successful Day at Homecoming

The AFT Local 1904 supported Homecoming on Saturday, despite the inclement weather. Local volunteers  gave out over 12 cases of water as well as hundreds of AFT items including bags, pens, bully bands, and with the threat of rain, the ever popular ponchos.  Students, parents, children, and other attendees of homecoming grabbed their AFT swag while learning more about the BKMUW Scholarship opportunity for Montclair State University students. And to top off a great day, The Montclair State University football team was victorious on the field. Go Red Hawks!

A special thanks to the superb efforts of the Local's Outreach Coordinator Alex Sperling who organized a team of volunteers to help with the day.