Fayetteville-Manlius Teachers' Association
October 2026 Political News:
Dear FMTA Member, As you'll recall from the FMTA Newsletter, October is a busy month for political action! See the attached flyer for NYSUT-endorsed candidates in CNY. Here are some opportunities to support NYSUT-backed candidates this month: Labor Walk: Every Saturday in October in support of Congressman John Mannion, NYS Senator Chris Ryan, and Ian Phillips for NY Assembly. Register here. Phone Banking: Virtual Option: Make calls from anywhere to fellow union members in support of NYSUT-backed Ian Phillips, a former teacher and NYSUT staff member running in Assembly District 125. Choose your time (October 6th through November 3rd) and sign up here. In-Person: Come to weekly phone banks at the NYSUT Office in East Syracuse on Wednesdays (10/14, 10/21 and 10/28) from 4 to 6:30 PM. Sign up here. Did you see our own Mark McGuigan in an ad for John Mannion? Watch here! Nonpolitical Addendum: Making Strides This October, NYSUT members will join the thousands of people who are taking to the streets to fight breast cancer. You can help! Our own Katie Bombard, retired high school counselor and fierce breast cancer survivor, has a team that is participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event and we would love to help her raise funds. You can donate to the cause by clicking on this link. In the "Support the Fundraising Efforts of:" window, type "Katie's Krew" to make sure you are donating to her team. In solidarity, Denise Mahns FMTA Vice President for VOTE-COPE and Political Action
Know Your Rights - Immigration Enforcement Actions
Information:
https://www.aft.org/press-release/afts-weingarten-responds-shooting-second-protester-minnesota
Actions:
https://workingpartnerships.betterworld.org/campaigns/support-impacted-union-families
https://sharemylesson.com/webinars/immigration-enforcement-nation-risk
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/keep-ice-out-of-schools-hospitals-and-houses-of-worship
Fix Tier 6 Information
POLITICAL ACTION
Teachers are encouraged to participate in political activism that supports teachers, students and public education.
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Contact elected officials showing support or opposition for educational bills and policies.
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Become a 5 minute activist by signing up for the NYSUT Action Center and receive text alerts with links to show your support for educational policies. https://mac.nysut.org/
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Participate in public education rallies.
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Stay informed on educational news, policies and procedures.
NYSUT Legislative Action Center
Register to Vote in New York State
Committee of 100
NYSUT’s Legislative Department lobbies state and federal representatives to help retain professional enhancements we fought for and won. Support for our public schools comes from the efforts of hundreds of grass-roots lobbyists. This statewide, grass-roots network of member-volunteers, called the Committee of 100, adds local political impact to NYSUT’s effort. Members who want to influence issues directly affecting their lives, including pensions, job security, and health and safety, are encouraged to explore becoming part of the Committee of 100. (https://www.nysut.org/members/member-guide/political-action).
FMTA Vote Cope campaign has completed. Thank you for your support!
FMTA Statement on Black Lives Matter
We members of the Fayetteville-Manlius Teachers’ Association are heartbroken and outraged over the tragic killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Brionna Taylor. Our hearts are heavy as we are reminded once again of the persistence of racism and inequality that exists in the United States. We understand that these recent tragedies affect the emotional and mental welfare of all of our students and their families. We would like the entire community, especially our Black community members, to know that we stand with you and are here for you.
In times of grief and unrest, we want to reaffirm that we are a community. We must dedicate ourselves to ensuring a safe place for students to learn and feel valued. We are especially missing our students right now. In times of trouble and pain, our classrooms, hallways, libraries, and counseling centers are safe places for us to talk, process our grief, and begin to understand and confront the prejudices and economic inequities that contribute to tragedies such as these. Our students no doubt feel confused and helpless. We are committed to helping them give voice to their grief, and to use our tools as educators to empower them.
More BLM Resources can be found here.
FMTA Statement on Asian Violence
We members of the Fayetteville-Manlius Teachers’ Association are heartbroken and outraged over acts of violence against Asian people; we recognize that violence against Asian American communities is part of a larger system of violence and racism against all communities of color, including Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and immigrant communities.
The increase in anti-Asian racism and discrimination hurts students, families, and communities across the country. Our hearts are heavy as we are reminded once again of the persistence of racism and inequality that exists in the United States. We understand that these recent tragedies affect the emotional and mental welfare of all of our students and their families. We would like the entire community, especially our Asian community members, to know that we stand with you and are here for you.
In times of grief and unrest, we want to reaffirm that we are a community. We must dedicate ourselves to ensuring a safe place for students to learn and feel valued. We are committed to helping our students give voice to their grief, and to use our tools as educators to empower them.
FMTA Members Exercising their Right to Vote!
