January 13, 2017 
Last night I attended the first ever meeting of the Northeast Wisconsin Organizing Co-op of Citizen Action. I confess to being a little cynical prior to attending. Another meeting? A group of progressives debating issues? Been there. Done that. 

However, I was delighted to be in a room full of DIFFERENT people. New faces! People from across our Region from all kinds of backgrounds who have been motivated to ACT in ways they haven't done before gathered last night - largely motivated by the results of the November election. One person said of her lack of experience: "I don't have to know anything. I just have to be willing." Another said, "I'm here! Let's do it!"

The Co-op will be electing a steering committee and will determine areas of focus (some of the most popular issues are Health Care, Environment, Voting, and an Economic Justice). Groups will be formed around issues and people interested in working on a particular concern can join in to help.

The Northeast Co-op is fashioned after the successful Greater Milwaukee group (members of WEAC Region 3 who live in our southern area might want to look into it). One of their great successes has been to organize around and against the right-wing radio stations in Milwaukee.

I'm inspired by the words of our President in his farewell address: "If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you're disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. Show up. Dive in. Stay at it."

Contact Rebecca Derenne at 920-389-1768 or rebecca.derenne@citizenactionwi.org for further information. I invite you to join us.

Peace
--Kathy Rohde
Regional Director


  
Would you like to join others in Madison on January 21 for the Women's March on Madison?  If so, contact the WEAC Region 3 office (800-472-5582) to reserve your spot on the bus.

Saturday, January 21 
Noon-3 PM 
Library Mall 
728 State Street

Buses will leave the NWTC (Parking Lot G) in Green Bay at 8 a.m. and make stops in Appleton (FVTC) and Oshkosh (location TBD).  Buses will leave Madison at 4 PM.

The cost is $20/per person (to be collected at bus site) -
Must RSVP by 4:30 PM, January 19


What's YOUR Best Story?

  
Two WEAC Members Helping Develop New Computer Science Standards 

Two WEAC members are on a state committee overseeing development of new computer science standards for Wisconsin schools. Among the members of the State Superintendent's Standards Review Council, which will oversee the Computer Science Standards Writing Committee, are Heather Mielke of Elkhorn, Math Teacher, Burlington High School; and WEAC Region 3 member Lisa Sanderfoot of De Pere, Computer and Information Science Teacher, Valley View Elementary School, Ashwaubenon School District.  READ MORE

Professional Development
Top 10 Can't Miss Education Conferences in 2017

This list of Top 10 National Education Conferences in 2017 includes the Distance Teaching & Learning Conference, July 25-27, in Madison.  And as long as we're talking about education conferences, be sure to check out the WEAC Professional Issues Conference, March 3-5, at the Concourse Hotel in Madison.

WEA Academy Offers New Online National Board Certification Support Course

If you are looking for intensive candidate support from the comfort of your home, check out the WEA Academy's new National Board Certification online course. This course was designed by a long-term NBCT mentor and support provider.

READ ON 
Save the date:  WEAC Summer Leadership Academy is July 24-26 in Eau Claire

Mark your calendar now for the 2017 WEAC Summer Leadership Academy, July 24-26 at UW-Eau Claire. "Summer Leadership Academy not only gives you a local perspective, but a state and national focus on issues important to you as an educator," says trainer and WEAC Retired member Pat Schmidt of Wautoma. "It encourages you to get involved not only in your school community, but to take a stand on issues at a much deeper level."   READ ON  
Contribute!
blanket
6th Annual Blanket Collection - January 5 - 31
 
Please help those in need by donating new & gently used blankets for distribution to area shelters and agencies.  Last year's drive collected 2385 blankets and other items for distribution to Brown County programs that serve homeless and low-income individuals. Blanketing Brown County will have collection sites throughout Brown County including all Green Bay Fire Stations, as well as WEAC Region 3.
 
Region 3 Locals - this could be a great PR project for your Local! Set up a collection box today!
 
For additional info call 920.593.4773, or see flyer
 
Collection put together by: Greater Green Bay Labor Council
Community Services Committee

Grants - Scholarships - Fellowships - Deadlines
Deadline is February 1 for Two $1,000 ESP Scholarships

The deadline is February 1, 2017, to apply for one of two new one-year scholarships that will be awarded to WEAC Education Support Professional (ESP) members for study at either a two-year or four-year accredited institution of higher education.

 
 
$5,800 College Scholarships Available for Children of Union Members  

The children of WEAC members who plan to become Wisconsin teachers are eligible for scholarships of $1,450 per year for four years of college or university study. WEAC awards four scholarships per year to high school seniors in Wisconsin.
 
The deadline to apply is February 1, 2017.
 
Application forms and more information about the scholarships can be found on the WEAC website.
 
Union Dues Are Tax Deductible
 
If you file a form 1040 and itemize your deductions on Schedule A, your local, state, and national dues may be tax deductible. Region 3 members who would like to receive a letter documenting union dues payments for 2016 can call the Region 3 office at 1-800-472-5582. Please remember to give us your name, street address and school local.
 
Also, Congress has extended the $250 Educator Tax Credit for educators who purchased classroom supplies and instructional materials during calendar year 2016.
 
Various tax preparation services are offered at a discount through the WEAC Saver's Club. All Region 3 members are eligible to participate in the Saver's Club.
Attention Retirees
Mark Your Calendars

WEAC-Fox Valley Retired would like to extend an invitation to all WEAC-Retired members within the Region 3 geographical area to attend our winter meeting on February 15th.

Presenters will include Tim Gierke from the Appleton social security office, and Certified Senior Care Adviser Michelle Graf, with a presentation entitled "Your Active and Healthy Brain."   (More details provided here) 
 
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
D J Bordini Center
5 Systems Drive
Appleton, WI
(located across the street from Fox Valley Technical College on Bluemound Drive)  
Travel Tips 
Thomas Kreif, WEAC-FV Retired Member & Traveler

When planning to visit several national park areas during a single trip or taking several trips during a twelve-month period, you'll likely benefit from purchasing an America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, also called an Interagency Pass, that provides access for the pass holder and non-commercial vehicle passengers to all Federal recreation sites that charge an entrance fee.
Schedule It!
 
Click HERE to see our Region 3 Calendar. It includes WEAC and Region 3 governance meetings, Professional Development events, and many other workshops, meetings, and events sponsored by our office.

Here's the other stuff:
  • The Ashwaubenon School District in collaboration with the Brown County Child Abuse and Neglect Initiative is hosting a screening of the acclaimed documentary Paper Tigers on February 8, 2017, from 6-8 pm at the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center. 
    The screening will be followed by a short discussion.
    Admission is complimentary but registration is required to attend.
    For more information about the event and to register, please go to http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=ixkdbgcab&oeidk=a07edext2zpeb145609
  • Go Public! Why Our Public Schools Need Our Help, and How We Can Support Them - Monday, January 30, 7 PM @ Brown County Central Library Auditorium.  For more information, visit the League of Women Voters @ http://greatergreenbay.wi.lwvnet.org
  • "Sunday Funday" starting on January 15th and all the Sundays in January. Sponsored by the Wausaukee Education Association, they will have concessions and sledding on Sundays from 12-2 weather permitting at the football field.
  • WEA Member Benefits Financial Planner, Thursday, January 19 from 9-5 at the Region 3 office. To make an appointment contact:  Brenda Echeverria 1-800-279-4030, ext. 3300.
  • Women's March on Madison, January 21, Noon-5:30 PM @ Library Mall, 728 State St., Madison
WEAC Region 3
800-472-5582
rohdek@weac.org
www.region3.weac.org