Welcome to a new academic year, and a new redesigned CCA Advocate! We paused our summer issue in order to re-think this publication and how it can be a more useful tool for our members, especially as we are meeting this current moment. We’re thrilled to have more writing and input from our At-Large Board members in this issue. We’re also introducing a new section dedicated to part-time faculty that will feature their voices and concerns. In addition, you’ll find regular sections with helpful reminders and resources, pointing you to the many online tools available on our website and more.

We want this publication to inspire, educate, and support all the good work our chapters are doing out there. This month, I am so pleased to see contributions from Jaqueline Penhos, Tiff Gause, and Geoff Johnson, representing our Women’s Rights, LGBTQ+ and Part-Time At Large Board positions, respectively.

As President of our statewide union, I feel a deep responsibility to acknowledge and speak up during these very real and difficult challenges we are facing. As educators, as LGBTQ+ people, as immigrants, as community allies, as family members–the threats coming from the Federal administration feel overwhelming. I am horrified and angry, but also resolute in doing what I can to push back–as well as inviting all of you to do the same. I know this doesn’t always look the same for everybody, but I am committed to ensuring that each of our communications to you showcase some ways our members are resisting–and providing you with ways you can too.

Our union has been busy since our last Advocate issue, refining our Mission to more clearly reflect our members’ needs, focusing our goals on stronger communications and advocacy, and enhancing our skills by participating in the NEA RA, CTA Summer Institute and Presidents’ Conference, planning retreat, and more. We have a vision for how to keep our members informed and activated, and we are excited to continue our efforts to build union with all of you.

We know that we are stronger together, and now, more than ever, it’s time to act with unity and purpose. I look forward to working alongside you in the days ahead.