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SPRING 2012

MMU UPDATE
Lobby Day a success with local politicians
What is MMU?
MMU (Mid-Minnesota United), is an Intermediate Organization of Education Minnesota that provides regional support, training, networking, and relicensure opportunities to members of Education Minnesota local unions.

Lobby Day participants (from left to right): Paul Mueller (EM Vice President), Kaye Lambert (Rocori), Robert Carr (Long Prairie), Chris Poff (Rocori), Terri Haakinson (Rocori), Gwen Rosha Anderson (Rocori and part-time EM field staff), Brenna Meunier (Sauk Rapids-Rice, and Jan Lichy (EM field staff liason)

Chris Po and Kaye Lambert (both from Rocori) chat with Senator Saxhaug from District 03

! On March 14th, 2012, various members throughout the Mid-Minnesota United and Education Minnesota organizations (all pictured above) gathered at the Minnesota Capitol to meet with Senators and Representatives in the central Minnesota area for the annual Mid-Minnesota United Lobby Day. ! The goal of the day is for teachers and union representatives to meet with local politicians to let the voices of public school teachers be heard. Currently, there are many pieces of legislation in the works that would aect the lives of teachers. MMU members lling out their paperwork Some of these legislative bills include Right to Work, Seniority and Tenure, and PEIP. While legislators discuss these bills, its important that they keep in mind those who would be aected by such laws. The MMU representatives who attended Lobby Day discussed the implications of such bills with many members of the state legislative branch. ! Throughout the Lobby Day, MMU representatives visited with Senators Pederson, Saxhaug, Gottwalt, Fischbach, and Ingebrigtsen as well as Representatives Hosch, Franson, and ODriscoll. ! If you would like to let your voice be heard, volunteer to attend Lobby Day next year and send your local representatives Chris Po and Kaye Lambert (both from Rocori) chat an email or letter expressing your concerns and views. with Representative Hosch from District 14B

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SPRING 2012

A TIME TO CELEBRATE, A TIME TO ADVOCATE

Just because the conversation is about contracts, negotiations, budgets and politics, doesnt mean there cant be a little fun involved. After all, whats a union meeting without a little island fun? On Thursday, March 22nd, Mid-Minnesota United hosted a representative assembly at Cabin Fever in Little Falls. Many topics were discussed at the meeting, including updates on negotiations, contracts and levies from the various local representatives, MMU budgets, and recognizing local leaders within MMU. President Tom Dooher of Education Minnesota joined the representative assembly to discuss the importance of leadership, not only within local unions, but also in the political community. He gave a summary of current pending legislation that concerns teachers, and he also discussed the positive impact of the letters and emails our union members have been sending to government officials. Doohers overall message was clear: stay strong, let your voice be heard, and continue to be leaders in your district. In addition to hearing updates from locals and union leaders, the representative assembly also took the time to honor a dear friend to MMU. Steve Hinrichs, NEA director, is retiring from his position. Steve was honored for his many years of service, not only as a part of the NEA, but as a strong presence within Education Minnesota and a wonderful teacher. The island theme of the evening was in honor of Steves retirement. Congratulations to Steve Hinrichs!

Photos clockwise from lower left corner: President Tom Dooher discussing leadership, Curtis Robertson embracing the island festivities, EM eld sta Jan Lichy discussing business matters with union representatives, Steve Hinrichs looking to see what kind of retirement surprises await him, and MMU president Brenna Meunier handing out owered leis to the representative assembly guests

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SPRING 2012

LOCAL LEADERS RECOGNIZED FOR POSITIVE IMPACT

Missy Walters from Aitkin (top picture, receiving award from Jan Lichy): For 19 years, Missy has been a special ed. teacher in Aitkin. She leads her union by serving as an MMU representative and serving as the membership chair for her local the past few years. Matt Parker from Verndale (not pictured): Over his eight years of teaching in Verndale, Matt has taken on leadership roles including local president, vice president, and negotiator. Not only is he a union leader, but he is also a leader in technology for his district. Karen Cash from Sauk Rapids-Rice (middle picture, far left with Susi Manea): Karen continues to work tirelessly for her local union, not only as president, but also as an advocate for the rights of teachers. Her enthusiasm and positive attitude have helped local union members through times of change and difficulty. Christine Poff from Rocori (bottom right): As a 3rd grade teacher, Chris makes a difference to her students; as a leader on her local executive board, Chris works hard to keep the other union members informed. She has served a secretary for her local, as well as taken on leadership roles centering around politics. CONGRATULATIONS to all of our awarded leaders!

5 EASY (AND FREE!) WEB TOOLS FOR YOUR CLASSROOM

1. Zamzar.com-This handy little website will convert all of those electronic les that might not be compatible with your school software.

UPCOMING MMU DATEs

April ULA/RIF meeting to be rescheduled June 18th--Regional Planning Meeting in St. Cloud 2. Doodle.com-If youve ever tried to schedule a meeting with July 10th--MRA Phase 2 training at MMU people over email, you know it can be a real hassle and a lot to keep Oce track of. Doodle.com allows you to easily see which time works best August 16th--MMU Summer Planning Meeting for those involved. 3. Diigo.com-Diigo is an electronic notekeeper. Its the perfect tool Jan Lichy, eld sta liason for research projects because it keeps track of bookmarked sites, online highlighted materials, and allows students to write sticky Education Minnesota notes on favorite websites. Educator accounts are free and allow 451 E. St. Germain, Suite 400 you to create student accounts and manage student groups. Saint Cloud, Minnesota 56304 4. Remind101.com-Remind101 is a great way to send messages to 320.252.6664 ext. 2102 (phone) your students (either via email or text message) without managing 320.252.5068 (fax) their personal numbers or addresses on your own accounts or devices. Students subscribe to your Remind101 account, and once MMU Update is written and edited by: you type a message in to the program, Remind101 blasts out the Maria Burnham message to your subscribers. Library Media Specialist 5. TinyURL.com-TinyURL allows you to paste in a very long web Sauk Rapids-Rice High School address in order to condense it down to something more manageable maria.burnham@isd47.org and easier to write.

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