In Memoriam
We’ve lost several of our beloved sisters and brothers over the past two years. We’re providing forms at our Information Booth for you to let us know of any member who has passed away since our 2016 Convention.
Backpack Recognition
If you’re one of the delegates we recognized yesterday for packing the most backpacks during our Rise Up in the Public Service action, please go to the Information Booth today after session to pick up a special gift. Ask for Renee Barnes when you get there.
- Tomasina Degree – Local 266, AFSCME Maryland
- Belinda Devall – Local 2620, California
- Keith Hess – Local 1902, California
Taking It Home
Session 6 of the Rise Up Institute, Taking it Home: Strategy and Planning Session will commence immediately following General session. See room assignments here.
PEOPLE T-Shirt Day
Get excited! Thursday is PEOPLE T-Shirt Day. Show your AFSCME PEOPLE pride and support of our union’s political and legislative fights for fairness for working people. Visit the PEOPLE Booth and purchase a commemorative t-shirt with the “Rise Up” logo celebrating AFSCME’s 43rd International Convention. Wear it proudly on PEOPLE T-Shirt Day tomorrow.
Elections Thursday
Elections will be held for International Secretary-Treasurer and International Vice President for the Southern New England Legislative District on Thursday from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. in Hall A. Doors to the convention center will open at 6:00 A.M.
Solidarity Through Action
The Massachusetts AFL-CIO is holding a solidarity rally for gasworkers, members of USW Locals 12003 and 12012, who have been locked out by National Grid.
The rally will be held at Boston City Hall Plaza from 4:00 to 6:00 pm today. Please help show that AFSCME has the backs of these brave workers. Learn more and take action
#SaveSCOTUS
We need your help and your voices to rise up and stop the nomination of anti-worker Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court! Please join us in a day of action TODAY to stop this nomination. Visit the Action Center across from the PEOPLE Booth to email your Senators, call their offices, and text AFSCME members to encourage them to do the same.
Elections Committee
Upon adjournment today, members of the Elections Committee are meeting in room 152.
I AM T-Shirt Day
Wednesday is I AM T-Shirt Day. Show your I AM pride by wearing your I AM AFSCME t-shirt tomorrow. Shirts are available for purchase at the PEOPLE Booth.
Rise Up in the Public Service
We are starting our backpack community action tomorrow morning. Make a lasting impact on underserved Boston public schools students. Help stuff backpacks starting on Wednesday anytime from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hall B.
Rosie’s Place Toiletry Drive
AFSCME has a tradition of giving back to our host city during convention. Please consider donating unused toiletries such as toothpaste, lotion, shampoo and soap to Rosie’s Place, a sanctuary for poor and homeless women. Please bring donations to the Information Booth.
Keep an Eye Out
Don't forget to be careful to keep an eye out for potential anti-union operatives who may try to secretly record conversations with attendees in public spaces.
If someone you don't know approaches you and tries to start a conversation, be aware they might be trying to record you. Trust your instincts. If you think someone is an operative, ask them to leave and then politely walk away.
If you want assistance, please let any Sergeant-at-Arms or International Union staff member know.
Stay Aware
As we gather to conduct the business of our union, we may be targeted by anti-worker operatives who resort to deceptive tactics and secret recordings. Whether you are in the convention hall, the exhibit space, your hotel, or another public location, please be careful when speaking to anyone you don't know.
Refer to the app or page 56 of the Delegate Guide for more tips on how to deal with potential anti-union operatives.
We know these operatives will be in the Boston area this week and that is why we have taken some extra precautions like requiring guests to sign affidavits confirming their identity. Thank you in advance for your help to make sure our convention is safe and secure and enjoyable for everyone.
And while we want you to have fun, be smart about what you post to social media and Facebook.
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Standard of Conduct
AFSCME is committed to making sure everyone at convention is treated with respect as a member of the AFSCME family. Please read and observe the AFSCME Standard of Conduct.
UNITE HERE!
The Westin Waterfront, the Westin Copley, the Sheraton Boston, the Renaissance, and the Marriott Copley have a program to encourage guests to pass on housekeeping services in exchange for extra hotel points. Please remember that members of UNITE HERE! Local 26 are housekeeping staff at these hotels and they have their shifts cut and lose out on pay when hotel guests choose this option. We encourage everyone to refrain from participating in this program and stand with the hardworking members of UNITE HERE! Local 26 who are currently in negotiations, fighting for a fair contract.
Emergency Assistance
Emergency medical assistance is available at the First Aid Station located on the lower level in room 050 near the entrance to Hall C. You also may call 617-954-2222, or dial extension 2222 from a Boston Convention Center house line.
Materials
Please note that any material that delegates want distributed in this Convention Hall must be submitted by close of business the previous day to a Sergeant-at-Arms. If the material is appropriate, the Sergeant-at-Arms will then handle the distribution.
Rise Up Institute workshops start at 7:30 AM on Monday
General Session doors open at 9:00 AM.
Registration is open Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM in Hall B.
Need a complimentary shuttle bus? Find the full schedule here.
Don't Forget to Register for the Rise Up Institute
The 2018 “Rise Up” Institute will offer certificates in four critical areas: Organizing, Political & Legislative, Communications, and Representation. Learn more.
Visit the Rise Up Action Center
Stop by a 10 minute training at the Action Center and then put your organizing skills into action. Topics covered range from workplace organizing to social media.
Registration is open Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM in Hall B.
Need a complimentary shuttle bus from your hotel? Find the shuttle schedule here.
Bling It On!
Bling It On! Be sure to stop by the Collaborative space in the Action Center for an opportunity to bling your t-shirt.
Don't Forget to Register for the Rise Up Institute
The 2018 “Rise Up” Institute will offer certificates in four critical areas: Organizing, Political & Legislative, Communications, and Representation. Learn more.
Stay updated with Convention Text Message Alerts
You can receive text message alerts throughout the week to stay up-to-date on what’s happening. Text “Never Quit” to 237-263.