Be the dream
NYSUT locals across the state held events celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and labor's connection to the civil rights movement. Several locals also coordinated screenings of the film "Selma," with support from the statewide union. Above, NYSUT's former Executive Vice President Alan Lubin and current Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta, center, join members of the Albany Public Schools Teachers Association and students at the Martin Luther King Labor Celebration in Albany. Other locals hosting MLK events and/or screenings of "Selma" include: Yonkers FT, Olean TA, Malone FT, Troy TA, Schenectady FT, Poughkeepsie TA, Freeport TA, Syracuse TA, Buffalo TF, Rochester TA, United Federation of Teachers and Hempstead TA. Share your local's community outreach events at united@nysutmail.org. Indicate "Locals In Action" in the subject line.
Catskill Teachers Association
The Catskill Teachers Association, led by James Maccaline, sponsored its second annual "Run/Walk for a Claus" 5K on Dec. 6. Twenty-five CTA members volunteered on the day of the event, which raised $4,000 for local charities. Members also secured more than 30 local businesses and individuals as sponsors for the event and raised money through raffles. The donations went to three area organizations: Community Action of Greene County, God's Storehouse and Matthew 25 Food Pantry. The local also collected more than 100 toys for needy youth.
North Syracuse Education Association
The North Syracuse Education Association, led by John Kuryla, solicited donations to make homeless care kits for those in need this winter. NSEA members donated about 60 bags they received at conferences, including previous NYSUT Representative Assemblies. The kits were then assembled by students at the Can Teen Youth Center, an after-school program for teens. The development director of the Syracuse Area Rescue Mission spoke briefly with the students about the importance of the project and how the bags will be used.
Saranac Lake Teachers Association
The 165-member Saranac Lake Teachers Association collected more than 1,000 household items for Grace Pantry as part of its community outreach and "Shop Local" night.
Grace Pantry collects household goods that are not approved by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including soap, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and diapers.
For "Shop Local" night, members support local stores, which stay open later that evening. The small businesses are grateful for the event, said Melissa DeVit, SLTA co-president.
NYSUT Board member Don Carlisto, SLTA co-president, said members drive "our local to surpass community engagement and to work for community partnerships and collaboration."