When the president of Colorado WINS learned that the president of the United States might be targeting Denver next in his anti-immigration campaign of terror, she knew how she’d begin to mobilize. One simple thing Diane Byrne does is deck out her activists in matching T-shirts. Wearing union colors promotes team spirit and builds confidence, she says. The AFT Public Employees program and policy council, meeting in New York City Feb. 5-6, abounded with tips to help locals mobilize. PPC chair Gary Feist, president of North Dakota Public Employees, recommended finding members who can tell a personal story to draw media attention. With more media on the issue, he said, legislators will become more motivated to fix the problem.

Our Federation Focus Newsletter for February is here!

On her very first day of student teaching at Linden Avenue Middle School in Red Hook, N.Y., Martha Strever pushed, pulled and pounded on the school’s door, which was locked. No one came. Where was everybody? It was, after all, the first day of school.

It turned out everybody was exactly where they were supposed to be: inside, having entered through the school’s front entrance. Strever had been knocking on a side door. Flustered but undeterred, she not only found her way inside, she also found her life’s calling.

The St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees is excited to announce the launch of our brand-new mobile app, a tool designed to make communication easier, access to information faster, and support more readily available for the employees we proudly represent.

As we enter a season of reflection and gratitude, we are proud to offer something new that strengthens our connection to teachers and school employees who keep our district running every day.

“Our members juggle so much every day, and everything we do is rooted in supporting the people who support our students. We wanted to give them something that respects their time and makes life a little easier. This is a tool that puts what they need right at their fingertips, whenever they need it.”
— Stephanie Underwood, Executive Vice President

“We are grateful for the work our employees do every day. This app helps ensure they have the support and information they need, right when they need it.”
— Brant Osborn, President

Date: 08/26/2025

Contact: Federation Care Closet; 985-888-1750; fedcarecloset@gmail.com

’Twas the Night Before School Starts - a story to honor the work you do and the difference you make.