The Schedule

Registration 12:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Mezzanine Foyer

Vendors available 2-8 p.m.

Location: Mezzanine Foyer

Registration 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: Mezzanine Foyer

Vendors available 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Location: Mezzanine Foyer

Workshops

1. Power From Within: Igniting Union Strength Through Internal Organizing

Room: Independence A

Facilitated by Syed Adnan, AFTPA Organizing and Outreach Director 

1. 1. • This session is a dynamic training designed to equip union leaders and activists with the tools to build power by engaging, educating, and activating their own members. Grounded in proven organizing principles, this session focuses on mapping the workplace, identifying organic leaders, and moving members to action through structured conversations and strategic escalation. 

2. Mid-Contract Bargaining:  Use of MOUs, MOAs and Using It as an Organizing Tool

Room: Independence B

Facilitated by Jim Rihel and Carol Mintus, AFTPA Staff Representatives 

2. 1. • This session will explore how unions can assert power and win gains between contracts through strategic mid-term negotiations. Participants will learn how to use Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Agreements (MOAs) not only to address emerging issues but also to organize members, build visibility, and pressure management outside the traditional bargaining cycle. 

3. ParaProud: Paraprofessionalism as a Career Choice or a Pathway to Teaching

Room: Salon 5

Facilitated by Walt Michalski and Krisann Selbst, AFTPA Staff Representatives 

3. 1. • This session will celebrate the essential role of paraprofessionals while exploring their dual identity as lifelong professionals or future educators. This training uplifts the value of paraprofessional work, outlines career advancement pathways, and provides tools for unions to support paras in defining their own professional journeys. 

4. From Union Strong to Lifelong: Creating a Retiree Chapter That Lasts

Room: Independence C

Facilitated by Calvin MacDowell, AFT Senior Associate in Organization & Field Services, and Joyce Reinoso, AFTPA Statewide Retirees Chapter Chair 

4. 1. • This session will offer practical strategies for building vibrant, sustainable retiree chapters that keep union values alive beyond the workplace. This training covers organizing retirees, maintaining engagement, and ensuring retirees remain a powerful voice in advocacy, mentoring, and solidarity for generations to come.

5. Bank On It: Treasurer Training for the Power Behind the Numbers

Room: Salon 3

Facilitated by Mario Declerico, AFTPA Comptroller 

5. 1. • This session will empower local union treasurers with the knowledge and skills to manage finances confidently and transparently. This training covers budgeting, reporting, compliance, and using financial tools to build trust, accountability, and organizational strength from the books up. 

6. Mic Check: Crisis Comms and Everyday Power Messaging

Room: Independence D

Facilitated by Jane Roh, PFT3 Communications Director 

6. 1. • This session will equip union leaders and communicators with the skills to craft clear, compelling messages in both everyday and high-stakes moments. Participants will learn how to control the narrative, speak with purpose, and use communications as a tool to build unity, escalate campaigns, and win public support. 

7. PA Proud: Unions at the Heart of the Community School Movement

Room: Salon 4

  Facilitated by Kathy Monti-Trievel, AFTPA Vice President at Large, and Dena Donaldson, AFT Assistant Director for Educational Issues

7. 1. • This session will highlight the vital role unions play in shaping and sustaining community schools across Pennsylvania. This training explores how labor can lead the charge in creating schools that serve the whole child by fostering deep partnerships, advocating for wraparound services, and driving equity-centered transformation in public education. 

Statewide Elections

If necessary.

United Academics of Philadelphia AFT #9608 hosted Happy Hour!

Location: Victory Brewing Company, 1776 Ben Franklin Parkway

United Academics of Philadelphia is an AFT local supporting faculty & staff from any college or university in the Philly region.  This event will be open to AFTPA Convention attendees, all Higher Ed workers in the region, and their family and friends. Come meet Higher Ed union leaders & activists from across the region. Snacks are on us! 

Please note: There is not parking provided at Victory Brewing, and it is a 4-minute walk from the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown.