NYSUT PROGRAM SERVICES
- Training and Workshops - Among the many training opportunities available are: an annual local presidents' conference, held in conjunction with the NYSUT Representative Assembly, to address current issues; a biennial, four-day summer conference to acquaint new local presidents with NYSUT, AFT, AFL-CIO programs, services, and history; statewide annual conferences for BOCES, school-related professionals (SRPs), retirees, and community college members on issues, programs, and concerns unique to each group; regional workshops designed for the needs of locals; and specific workshops for individual locals facing special problems.
- School-Related Professionals Information - Two brochures, Pointers for SRPs and More Pointers for SRPs, offer suggestions for occupational health and safety and for reducing on-the-job health hazards.
- Services for Bus Drivers - A brochure, Protecting Our Most Precious Resource, on improving school-bus safety, a video on bus driver safety, and training for bus drivers on drug and alcohol testing.
- Retiree Program - The constitutions of both NYSUT and the AFT make it possible for retirees to enjoy pre-paid life membership status without paying additional NYSUT/AFT dues after retirement. Retired members are eligible for all NYSUT/AFT member benefit programs, including insurance plans, group travel, a discounted legal service plan, and others. NYSUT maintains a Retiree Office to assist retiree chapters and councils, as well as individual retirees. Assistance also is available for locals wishing to establish retiree chapters within the local structure.
- ERS Consultation - For its members who belong to the State Employees' Retirement System, NYSUT provides consultation on questions of pension and retirement.
- Health and Safety - NYSUT offers locals training regarding safety and health matters, including the study of the hazards of asbestos, asbestos abatement in school buildings and other workplaces, toxic chemicals, and federal and state legislation. In addition, it helps local unions establish health and safety committees, and offers a Health and Safety Manual, plus two booklets, Indoor Air Pollution and a training checklist on right-to-know and hazard communication. Also available: a "safe schools" training program.
- Communications - The Field Services Communications Office helps NYSUT affiliates establish effective local union communications programs, including starting or improving local and community newsletters, working with the news media, and developing regional PR programs.
- Computer Project - To facilitate and broaden the use of computer technology by its locals, NYSUT offers microcomputers at discount prices and specially-developed software.
- "Ready or Not" Retirement Planning Program - Pre-retirement workshops, developed by Manpower Education Institute and given locally by trained NYSUT members, are tailored to the needs of people in education. They cover financial and legal matters, Social Security, taxes, insurance, second careers, living relationships, use of leisure time, health and nutrition.
- Education Reform/Restructuring - Locals and school districts may avail themselves of training programs and workshops to help them collaborate on a joint program of restructuring through shared decisionmaking and to implement Commissioner's Regulation 100.11 (Compact for Learning).
- Sexual Harassment Awareness - In response to a special order of business at its Representative Assembly, NYSUT has a cadre of trainers to provide local workshops on sexual harassment.
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