More than 3,000 delegates are headed to Buffalo April 2-4 for NYSUT's 37th annual Representative Assembly.

With the state and nation facing such economic uncertainty, it's even more important for union members to make their voices heard on everything from education and health care to the environment and worker rights.

"Union members and educators have long been at the forefront, speaking up and speaking out for our schools, the environment, for working families and the poor," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi. "As we reflect on the historic achievements of the past year and set the course for the future, that tradition of advocacy will continue in the 'City of Good Neighbors.'"

"Good neighbors" may be an understatement, said Tony Bifaro, assistant to the NYSUT president. "The city has pulled out all the stops in anticipation of our arrival."

Bifaro and his team planning the convention's logistics have received tremendous help from the mayor, city police and the Buffalo Visitor's Bureau.

"Their support and cooperation will help ensure we can carry on with the business of the RA," Iannuzzi said.

'Green' theme

With an eye to being green, several convention documents this year were made available online. Delegates used the Internet to register for the convention, request housing, sign up for committee meetings and nominate members for awards.

In keeping with the green focus, several documents normally distributed at the convention, including the NYSUT officers' reports, will instead be available online.

An impressive roster of speakers are scheduled to address the convention, including U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, state Sen. Dale Volker, State Education Commissioner Richard Mills and Kevin Jennings, founder of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network.

The main business of the convention is 50 new resolutions for deliberation. Topics range from calling for increased investment in public higher education, to supporting legislation to address elder abuse. Several resolutions deal with health insurance as well as incorporating more "green" practices in schools and classrooms.

Delegates elected by each local union are the policymaking body of the union. They will consider 19 resolutions reaffirming existing policy and 12 proposed amendments to the NYSUT Constitution.

The convention will also recognize members who have earned the union's most prestigious annual awards.

Contact Clarisse Butler Banks at cbanks@nysutmail.org