Two years after its creation, the NYSUT Women’s Committee continues to move forward, and will meet this weekend in Albany to focus on a host of women’s issues in the run-up to Election Day.
Helping members start up women’s committees in their home locals, increasing the number of women in leadership roles and encouraging a strong showing at the polls Tuesday are some of the issues topping the agenda when the committee meets at NYSUT headquarters beginning today.
Members also will prep for the statewide network of women’s marches in January, and brainstorm resolutions for the NYSUT Representative Assembly in May.
Chaired by NYSUT Executive Vice President Jolene DiBrango, the committee aims to educate female members about the work of the union, as well as highlight issues including inequalities in pay, health care and education for women.
This year’s meeting will feature new committee sub-groups on women’s health, sexual harassment, coalition building and women in leadership.
With 70 standing members, the group raised nearly $1,000 this year for disaster relief in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The committee also hosted a booth at the 2018 NYSUT RA, highlighted stories of inspiring NYSUT women using a ‘Herstory’ article template, and has a mentoring toolkit for younger members in development,
In January, scores of women walked under its banner at annual women’s marches statewide. And, in wake of recent events such as the heated confirmation of conservative Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, potential exists for an even larger turnout in 2019.
Follow the NYSUT Women’s Committee on Twitter @NYSUTWomensComm and use the #NYSUTWomen hashtag, or join the new Facebook group.
To read “Herstory” articles, nominate a future “Herstory” honoree, or access posters, handouts and photo galleries, visit www.nysut.org/women.