AFT 1493 wins 9 CFT Communications Awards!

To review a little history regarding the CFT Communications Awards: Over the last 3 years, AFT 1493 has won more Communications Awards each year than any other Local in the CFT! Our Local won 9 Awards at the 2015 CFT Convention, 10 Awards at the 2016 Convention and this year we again won 9 Communications Awards.

This year we won the following awards:

•    AFT Local 1493, along with two other Locals– Jefferson AFT Federation of Teachers, and Jefferson Elementary Federation of Teachers–won the Jim Herndon Special Award for the Tri-Union Conference: Schools Our Children Deserve. The Jim Herndon Award represents “an outstanding creative effort that conveys the importance of unionism in the field of education and represents the “Spirit of the Federation.” The Judges’ remarked on this award: “To have three local unions and community groups join together in this outreach truly expresses the spirit of the Federation. A stellar collaborative effort between elementary, high school, and community college unions to improve the continuum of educational experience for students in the community. One judge aptly pointed out, “It shows the advantage of having wall-to-wall AFT representation in a region.”

The Advocate wins First Place again

•    First Place in the category of Best Six-or more-Page Newsletter for Locals with more than 500 unit members for The Advocate, edited by Eric Brenner. The Judges commented: “Always in-depth articles of topical concern. Sprinkled with member-written pieces and photos of members. Good use of informational graphics in articles where relevant.” This is the second year in a row that The Advocate won first place in the State.

•    First Place in the category of Best Flyer or Poster for Locals with more than 500 unit members for “Workload Equity poster” by Galina Gates, student, and Vera Fainshtein, Instructor. Judges said that the: “Poster provides a clear ask and invites you into the action. Compelling use of elements and colors combined with solid union branding. A sense of humor helps make its political point. One judge said, “It has a great Alice in Wonderland feel — people get small and go into the rabbit hole. And one seems to be saying, ‘Uh oh, I’m late for work.’”

•    Second Place in the category of Best Use of Social Media for Locals with more than 500 unit members for Facebook Page by Michelle Kern, CSM Chapter Chair.

•    Second Place in the category of Best Email Newsletter for Locals with more than 500 unit members for The Advocate newsletter by Eric Brenner, Editor.

•    Second Place in the category of Best Original Art or Photograph for “Workload Equity poster” by Galina Gates, student, and Vera Fainshtein, Instructor.

•    Third Place in the category of Best News Writing for “CFT Convention Inspires Faculty to Work for Social Justice” by Katharine Harer, Co-Vice President and Strategic Campaign Initiative Organizer, and Teeka James, Secretary.

•    Third Place in the category of Best Website for locals with more than 500 units members for aft1493.org by Eric Brenner, Webmaster.

•    Honorable Mention in the category of Best Editorial or Column for “A Bridge Too Far? Cost of Living and Housing” by Anne Stafford, Professor of English and Union Treasurer.