We are excited to gather with you virtually over the next two days as fellow education workers  and union members. Our theme for this convention, Rise Up, Recover, and Rebuild, reflects our collective experience over the last two years facing four major crises: racism, threats to democracy, climate change, and global pandemic.  

Since 2019, we have been called on to rise up against each of these crises and address them with intention and purpose. Together, we are recovering from the challenges and struggles we have endured, and honoring the lives we have lost. We will rebuild a stronger education system, a more powerful and inclusive labor movement, and communities that ensure that every person has an opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. 

Coming together for a convention is an opportunity to celebrate who we are, and yes, we will be celebrating for the next two days. We will reveal CFT’s new Logo which truly recognizes the depth and breadth of who we are and who we represent as education workers. We will acknowledge the victories and challenges shared over the last two years; and we will prioritize our future efforts to Rise Up, Recover, and Rebuild our schools, our profession, and our communities.

And with that…

The 78th Convention of the CFT: A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals is hereby called to convene online on Friday, March 26, 2021, at the hour of 9 a.m. and will remain in session two days or until such time as it has given full consideration to such matters as legally may be brought before it.

— Jeffery M. Freitas, President

The 24 vice presidents represent the broad spectrum of educators and classified professionals represented by the CFT. 

Luukia Smith, Secretary Treasurer, El Camino Classified Employees

L. Lacy Barnes, Senior Vice President, State Center Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1533 (Fresno)

Anthony Arinwine, United Educators of San Francisco, AFT Local 61

Linda Chan, Citrus College Adjunct Faculty Federation, AFT Local 6352 (Glendora)

Britt Dowdy, Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1794

Mary Bravewoman, San Francisco Community College District Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 2121

Paul Fong, San Jose/Evergreen Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 6157

Ray Gaer, ABC Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 2317 (Cerritos)

Gloria Garcia, Early Childhood Federation, AFT Local 1475 (Los Angeles)

Miki Goral, UCLA Faculty Union, AFT Local 1990

John Govsky, Cabrillo College Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 4400

Arlene Inouye, United Teachers Los Angeles, AFT Local 1021

Matthew Kogan, United Teachers Los Angeles, AFT Local 1021

Steve McDougall, Salinas Valley Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1020

Amankwa (Mac) McKinzie, Compton Federation of Employees, AFT Local 3486

Matt Meyer, Berkeley Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1078

David Mielke, Culver City Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1343

Juan Ramirez, United Teachers Los Angeles, AFT Local 1021

Linda Sneed, Los Rios College Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 2279 (Sacramento)

Susan Solomon, United Educators of San Francisco, AFT Local 61

Nelly Vaquera-Boggs, Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1936 (Watsonville)

Joanne Waddell, Los Angeles College Faculty Guild, AFT Local 1521

Carl Williams, Lawndale Federation of Classified Employees, AFT Local 4529

Kent Wong, UCLA Faculty Union, AFT Local 1990