As Trump admin guts SNAP, CFT joins effort to feed hungry families

About 42 million people will lose access to SNAP benefits tomorrow, November 1 – over 5.5 million of them in California – because the Trump administration is using hunger as a political weapon. CFT members are stepping up to ensure our neighbors, colleagues, and students won’t go hungry.

Starting today, we are supporting our local unions across the state in aiding their local food banks and community pantries. Union members are encouraged to give what they can – in money or in volunteer time – to support those who need a little help. Find a local food bank here!

As the government shutdown drags on into its second month, it's up to us to provide mutual aid to those who are food insecure. In California, as many as 1 in 5 people are experiencing food insecurity, many of them the students in our schools. This is the most recent attack by the government on our most vulnerable communities, and we can fight back by helping others.

Is the government shutdown impacting you personally, including the looming elimination of SNAP benefits? Please let us know by responding to this email.

Final get out the vote drive to pass Prop. 50

We are in the final stretch to pass Prop. 50, to ensure Donald Trump and his allies in Congress are held accountable for their unpopular agenda. And the stakes are getting higher – just this week Republicans in Ohio moved to join Texas, Missouri, Utah, and North Carolina to redistrict their state.

So please VOTE YES on Prop. 50 and get your ballots in the mail ASAP. You can also drop your ballot at secure voting centers and ballot drop boxes throughout your community. Ready to volunteer? Sign up for a final GOTV phonebank shift or neighborhood walk with your local Labor Council.

Finally, if you witness any election interference or irregularities in your community, please report it to the voter protection hotline at 877-321-8683.

Universities Council explores how to best build diverse and democratic unions

On October 18, the CFT Universities Council convened its second annual training on building diverse and democratic union governance. Over thirty leaders and activists from throughout the state attended the daylong training, exploring how racial justice manifests on our campuses, strategies to recognize and counteract unconscious bias, and lastly, how we build diverse leadership models that promote equity and dismantle oppressive hierarchies.

“This training was a great opportunity to connect with higher ed activists who are ready to incorporate racial and social justice practices into their unions,” said Universities Council President, and UC-AFT President, Katie Rodger. “Hands on planning and participation in the Sacramento No Kings rally were highlights of the day.”

RSVP now for our Nov. 10 CalSTRS retirement webinar

All CFT members in CalSTRS are invited to attend our next virtual training on the retirement system on November 10 from 4:00–5:30 p.m.

Find out more in-depth information about your CalSTRS benefits, the difference between earned and purchased service credit, and ways to bridge the gap between your CalSTRS benefit and your retirement income goal.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Joy is a form of resistance, let us take the time to celebrate, too.