Welcome

 

Web-Based Resources for
Local Leaders 

AFT-Wisconsin
Want to learn more about the AFT? The web page for AFT-Wisconsin is a good place to start, especially if you are relatively new to the Union or want to learn more about AFT here in Wisconsin. On the Public portion of the website, available to anyone, there is information about the structure and membership of AFT-Wisconsin, staff news clips, a calendar of upcoming events, and a resources section that has links to literally hundreds of websites with useful information for local leaders.

In addition, all the AFT-Wisconsin locals are listed by council. You can access the web pages of those local unions that currently have web pages through the site. You can look at past and current issues of the AFT-Wisconsin's newsletter, The Professional. You can learn about the union's political program.

On the Members portion of the website, there are useful tools for local leaders and activists. You need to register to use this part of the site, which you can easily do by going to http://www.aft-wisconsin.org/members 

Once you are registered, you have access to a variety of materials, including:

  • Leadership handbooks
  • Policy handbook
  • COPE information and endorsements
  • Other council information will be there soon
  • Information about the K-12 Council and locals

  • New member kits
  • Resources for stewards
  • Political action updates
  • AFT-Wisconsin constitution
  • Dues information

AFT LeaderNet
Leadernet is the website used to communicate with, and deliver information and resources to, AFT leaders and activists across the United States. You can use it in a number of ways - download materials, read articles, receive email alerts about issues that interest you, and even participate in web-based seminars and conversations with other AFT leaders. You must register to use Leadernet, and you do so by going to http://leadernet.aft.org/register/.

Once registered, start at the home page and you will see the breadth of resources available. The best thing to do is just browse through the various sections and see what interests you, or you might want to go directly to a section that is relevant to you, like the PSRP Division, the Teacher's Division, or the Higher Education Division. Each of these sections offers information and resources specific to leaders in that area of work.

Leadernet offers a wide range of options to keep you informed of new developments, including links to other unions and labor news, as well as a chance to signup for regular emailings with news about issues that affect teachers, college instructors, support staff, or political news that affect AFT members, or news of general interest to union members. 

Written materials and resources are easily accessible on Leadernet, and include materials on:

  • Collective bargaining
  • Communications
  • Stewards training
  • Health and safety
  • Political action
  • Local union finances
  • Member services
  • Leadership development
  • Newsletters and web pages
  • AFT governance
  • Economic issues
  • Documents for local unions

That is only a small sampling of what Leadernet offers. Try it and see how it can help you.

For more information or questions about accessing these internet resources, please contact AFT-Wisconsin Public Relations Representative Jill Malak at malak@aft-wisconsin.org or at 800-362-7390, ext. 222.
Spring 2007 Public Presentations
To help you better understand the Wisconsin Retirement System & Related Benefits a schedule of retirement presentations can be found on http://etf.wi.gov/news/presentation_schedule.htm

To view an on-line retirement presentation, go to http://etf.wi.gov/news/ht_20041111.htm.  The session is approximately one hour and 13 minutes.

If you have questions about your ETF statements you can view an online video presentation.  It explains the  contents of your statement and what it all means.  The presentation is approximately 55 minutes long and you can view it by going to http://etf.wi.gov/news/ht_20050517.htm.  I would recommend you have your statement when you watch it.

AFT PLUS Entertainment Discounts Program

AFT PLUS is excited about this new program. With our AFT PLUS Entertainment Discounts Program, going out is now more affordable for AFT members. The program helps you and your family save money when you want to enjoy movies and theme parks, videos, DVDs and a lot more. The program offers members reduced prices on movie rentals, live theatre, museums, sporting events, aquariums, ski lift tickets and much more.

What's more, when you sign up for the program, you earn 100 "Advantage Points" to use for your future entertainment. You earn one additional point for every dollar you spend through the program.  To find out more go to www.unionplus.org/entertainment or contact Pam Campbell

Purchase Theme Park Tickets Online
New from AFT PLUS Member Benefits: Now AFT members can purchase discounted tickets for the Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks online. http://www.aft.org/aftplus/travel/themeparks.htm

Send Walmart Back To School
Shopping for back-to-school supplies this summer? Sign the pledge not to purchase your supplies at Walmart and support the nationwide campaign to convince the retail giant to become a responsible employer. http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/walmart_petition

Central Labor Bodies
New guidance for AFT affiliates concerning relationships with unions formerly affiliated with the AFL-CIO. http://leadernet.aft.org/news/article_detail.cfm?ArticleID=1422

Collective Bargaining
The AFT Center for Collective Bargaining has been revamped. More great resources and regular news updates are now available. http://leadernet.aft.org/local_toolkit/bargaining/index.cfm

Upcoming LeaderNet Live! Discussions
Participate in discussions with AFT's featured experts on a variety of topics. Submit questions before or during the discussion. http://leadernet.aft.org/leadernet_live/index.cfm

AFL-CIO
To check CEO pay as well as other issues—Wal-Mart, etc AFL-CIO Paywatch