CRSJ News – October 2024
Welcome back SEA Educators!
I would like to start by offering special thanks to all new, returning Association Representatives (AR) who attended the AR 101 training and to all those who attended the CRSJ Dignity Conference on August 30! Reflecting on both trainings, I hope some of you have been able to reach out to someone new, call them into this union work.
Many of you now have been able to hear the SPS announcement around the school closure and consolidation plans. Their re-evaluation of their assessment is a testament to the community coming together to fight for the best outcome for our students. There has to be a stronger plan in place before major disruptions are made for our educators, community and students alike. Your SEA Governance team has been staying engaged and watching this situation closely. Stay tuned for more information as your CRSJ Director in partnership with governance analyzes the re-zoning and effects of school closures/consolidations with an equitable lens and community engagement.
I encourage you to continue connecting with your coworkers and supporting one another. As the year progresses and many things come your way, please take time to center yourself and manage your mental health. Consider the breathing exercises, or the restorative circle practice for yourself and others.
Lastly, I want to share that this year, the CRSJ Advisory Committee met over the summer and will be sharing information through this newsletter and the CRSJ page on the SEA website. See who is on the team listed below.
This month’s issue has resources about:
- A Call Out to Help Uplifting Educators Voice with the 9:29
- SEA CRSJ Len Hill Educator Grants
- Why voting matters
- NEA resources
- Local Community & Labor Engagements
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Upcoming calendar events
CRSJ Advisory Committee: Director Elizabeth Ward-Robertson, Nisha Daniel, Matt Legacki, Toni O’Neal, Davina Diaz, Jennifer Matter, UniServ Director Uti Hawkins
Did you know that all SEA members are invited to attending our monthly Representative Assembly? Each month, we take time to reflect on George Floyd uprising in April 2021 at every RA. Your CRSJ advisory team wants to invite all members who have been unsure about speaking out to know you fit in our space. All educators of color are invited to the floor to hold space with us. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Our October topic will be to have you introduce yourself, it may be tied to your culture, identity, or personal preference as we learn to center ourselves, as educators of color, and learn something new about our fellow co-workers. I invite you to attend RA at John Marshall on Monday, October 21 at 5 p.m.
Why Voting Matters!
Say no to cutting $2.2 Billion from education. Say NO to I-2109
Please sign up to join me and other educators as we talk to our neighbors about securing a future for our students and educators.
SEA CRSJ Len Hill Leader & Advocacy Grants
It’s time again! SEA Center for Racial and Social Justice (CRSJ) is excited to announce the Len Hill Leader and Advocacy Grant Program for 2024-2025. With the SEA CRSJ Len Hill Leader and Advocacy Grant Program, Racial Equity Teams (RET’s) led by SEA members can apply for grants of $500, $750, or $1500 to fund racial equity work in their SPS school building/programs during the 2024-2025 school year. Please know all last year sponsored events must re-apply, no last year vouchers will be accepted.
National Education Association on the Impact of social media & Personal Devices on Mental Health
Hispanic Heritage Month Resources
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15-October 15. Use this updated list of resources, books, lessons, videos, and activities to explore, learn, and celebrate the vibrant heritage and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to our world.
Suicide Prevention Month
September was Suicide Prevention Month. Check out these mental health resources to help members support students and their colleagues. Also sharing our available micro-credential stacks on creating bully-free schools, supporting LGBTQ+ students, and trauma-informed pedagogy, along with some advice on recognizing depression in students and how educators can help prevent suicide in schools.
Local Community & Labor Engagements:
(RARE) Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity
Seeks the involvement of the community! Learn more.
Support our union siblings, the Boeing machinists (IAM 751). There are several picket locations listed below. Remember how they supported SEA when we were in negotiation. Please stop by or honk your horn in solidarity.
Picket HQs:
- Seattle: 9125 15th Place South Seattle, WA 98108
- Everett: 2407 106th Street SW Everett, WA 98204
- Renton: 233 Burnett Ave N. Renton, WA 98057
- Auburn: 201 “A” St. SW Auburn, WA 98001
- Puyallup: Fredrickson Industrial Park Rd E, Puyallup, WA 98375
- Moses Lake/Edwards AFB/Victorville: Main gates
WEA-WIN Professional Development
Have you ever participated in WEA’s professional development program? Are you aware that WEA-WIN system has awesome trainings all year for all Washington educators?
Click on the link below to see what is being offered through WEA-WIN. WEA-WIN is designed to provide you access to various WEA trainings and house your clock hour transcripts.
ESP Professional Development (washingtonea.org)
More details about the courses at wea-win.org.
After you register, you will receive the link to access the training on your “My Events” tab through your wea-win account. If you click the Join Now button, you must also complete a short Zoom registration.
You can access your online course links through your WEA-WIN account on your ‘My Events’ tab. It is important to know that you will need to use your personal email address.
October Events:
- October 3: Latina Equal Pay Day
- October 4-5: WEA PAC in Vancouver WA
- October 11: SPS Tri Day & SEA lunch hour Listening Sessions
- October 12: WEA WIN – Clerical Equity Training
- October 14: SEA EMAC Day of Action TBD
- October 21: SEA Representative Assembly
Become a Member
Sign up with the Washington Education Association and receive updates, reminders for upcoming events, and gain access to restricted members-only resources.
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