UUP’s SUNY Advocacy Day in Albany is now March 17th!
Join your Alfred State colleagues and UUP members from across the state as we visit with legislators in their offices to promote the benefit of funding SUNY properly. Because here’s how it works: If we’re not there advocating for SUNY and public higher education, someone else is advocating for their interests – which may not align with our values. Legislators respond to constituents when they show up in person!
From Fred Kowal, Statewide President of United University Professions:
As you may know, UUP puts a great deal of time and resources in advocating for a state budget and legislation that benefits all of us and the institutions we serve. This year, we had set up a two day advocacy effort that had attracted a record number of UUP members to come to Albany to lobby for our needs. Unfortunately, the event was wiped out by the blizzard that hit New York a week ago.
My staff and I have worked very hard over the past few days to come up with a makeup advocacy day. Despite the limited availability of space in the Legislative Office Building at this time of year, we were able to secure a date which we hope will work for you. I’m asking you to seriously consider joining us for the makeup advocacy day in part because I’d like to see us break that record! The reality is, however, that it’s not just about a record; it’s about securing a better future for all of us!
The date for our UUP makeup Advocacy Day is Tuesday, March 17th. Yes, I know it’s St. Patrick’s Day, but I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this special day than advocating in Albany for each other! Our staff has even worked up special holiday buttons and stickers that have a green theme.
Please fill out the registration form HERE as soon as possible and share with your colleagues. The deadline to register is this Friday, March 6th at 12pm. We will have a breakfast in the Albany Room in the Empire State Plaza and then invite legislators for a formal program and conversations with us. All UUP members are welcome to register, even if they did not register for the original advocacy day. So, please feel free to spread the word on this great opportunity to have your voice heard.
In solidarity, Frederick E. Kowal, PhD, UUP President
Contact William Schultze, chapter president and legislative coordinator for UUP Alfred, to have your questions answered and to get registered.
Travel and hotel arrangement expenses are paid with voluntary VOTE-COPE funds, not union dues.
SUNY funding provided by the legislature has been misappropriated by the chancellor’s office in the past 3 years to favor some campuses over those that have been financially distressed. The most threatened campuses are currently Downstate Medical University, Potsdam, Fredonia, and now Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF). ANYONE who cares about the SUNY system can help! Please see the information below for how you can take action.
Click here to send letters to our representatives
Click here for UUP news releases on SUNY and social issues
Click here for UUP’s legislative agenda with more information
TAKE ACTION ON LEARNING ABOUT VOTE-COPE (for UUP employees)
Union dues are NOT used to fund our advocacy efforts. Instead, a VOLUNTARY but ESSENTIAL contribution fund called VOTE-COPE enables UUP to undertake political action for the benefit of SUNY. You can make a one-time donation or recurring payroll deductions, as advocacy efforts happen 24/7/365. No amount is too small, even ONE DOLLAR helps!
Click here to learn more and make a contribution to VOTE-COPE