With the nation in the grip of a financial crisis, talk of dollars made common sense at NYSUT's annual leadership conference for School-Related Professionals.

"What we all have in common is we all want to be paid wages that allow us to make ends meet, feed our families and have the peace of mind that health benefits bring," NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue said. "That is why I'm so proud that our union is taking up the fight for a living wage for all SRPs."

After thunderous applause, Donahue praised SRP leaders who raised the issue, bringing a resolution to the union's policy-making convention earlier this year that was unanimously approved, calling for a living wage and access to affordable health care for SRPs.

The fight for fair pay was the theme of several workshops over the three-day conference in Albany in late September. Leaders brainstormed collective bargaining strategies in negotiations workshops as well as in a specific workshop about how to run a living wage campaign.

Hands-on workshops included how to prepare school crisis plans, how to help children with autism and how to keep students in high school.

Some participants took a field trip to NYSUT headquarters. A visit to the union's kitchen gave food service personnel some strategies to take back with them. Others observed building and grounds maintenance.

Security personnel learned more about the state-of-the-art heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system; thermostatic controls; and fire alarm and security systems.

Getting Sen. Barack Obama elected the next U.S president also was emphasized. See page 2 for more on those efforts.

- Betsy Sandberg