Convention Workshops

Facilitated by Asher Huey, AFT Digital Director, and Michael Maiorini, AFT Assistant Director for Digital Communications

The AFT offers a number of tools to affiliates to help organize and mobilize both members and the general public. These tools include Stateweb (a free website platform), Action Network (a toolset for emails, newsletters, petitions, letter campaigns, and more), text messaging (both P2P and broadcast), and Leadernet (a site exclusively for affiliate Leaders and staff). This session will cover in more detail what these tools offer and how they can help.

Facilitated by Mary Traeger Pascale, AFT Member Benefits Associate Director

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. 

Facilitated by Jim Rihel and Carol Mintus, AFTPA Staff Representatives 

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. 

Facilitated by Walt Michalski and Krisann Selbst, AFTPA Staff Representatives 

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. 

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

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. 

Facilitated by Mario Declerico, AFTPA Controller

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. 

Facilitated by Cindy Carr, AFTPA Communications Director, and Jane Roh, PFT3 Communications Director 

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. 

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

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.