The Lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender (LGBT) caucus has been successfully launched at the GTFF.  If you are interested in joining the caucus please email chet at clisieck@uoregon.edu.

 Wondering where that room in the EMU is?  Check here:

http://emu.uoregon.edu/map_popup.php?x=-50&y=-50&level=main&arrow=SE

 2009 Holiday Food Drive

This year, members of the GTF are organizing a holiday food and donation drive to benefit FOOD for Lane County, our local nonprofit food bank. Since we come from diverse holiday traditions and ideological backgrounds, we think this is a great way for us to come together and give back to the community! 

The Stats: We get it: you’re busy and don’t need a barrage of numbers thrown at you. Here are some highlights:

• According to a report released in November 2009 by the US Department of Agriculture, nearly 15 percent of US households (49 million people) suffered from ‘food insecurity’ in 2008, the highest percentage since 1995
• Oregon consistently has one of the highest rates of 'hungry people' and 'food insecurity' in the country; according to the most recent statistics, more than 30% of people in Lane County who receive food aid are youths under the age of 17 and nearly 70% of adults who receive an emergency food box are working, retired or disabled.

The Logistics: There are two ways to participate!

(1)     Make a cash donation of $5 (or more!). FOOD for Lane County guarantees that 95 cents of every dollar goes directly towards food distribution, meaning that every dollar = approximately six pounds of food. You can turn in your donation at the GTFF office and on 9^th Floor PLC. Cash is fine, or checks can be made out to FOOD for Lane County.

(2)     Donate canned/non-perishable food items to one of three food bins located at (a) the GTFF office on 13^th Street (b) 9th Floor PLC (c) ^4th Floor of Mackenzie (by the GTF offices on the north side of the building).

The deadline: Friday December 18th (three days after final grades are due).

The bins and envelopes are in place so you can start donating now! We hope you’ll consider participating.

Cheers and happy holidays, 

Samuel Bernofsky VP of Organizing

Lindsay Ramirez former GTFF member

The GTFF officially supports and stands behind our striking brothers and sisters of the Graduate Employees’ Organization at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC-GEO).  http://www.uigeo.org/

 GTFF supports Womenspace Every Home a Safe Home at 30th and Hilyard and three other locations.

 We are adding an "I saw you" section to the newsletter this year.  If you have any I saw you announcements to make please email them to the GTFF VP of membership Communications Heather Holmquest member.communications@gtff.net

Haven't received your Health Insurance card from Pacific Source yet?  Don't worry all fall term coverage is retroactive to September 16^th.  You should receive your insurance card soon, we've sent everything in to Pacific Source and they are processing the forms.  If you haven't had a chance to sign up for Health Insurance please come in to the GTFF office!

If you have any health insurace questions please contact Lisa Hamilton at lisa@gtff.net

E-Board Agenda for 9-28 - Noon @ GTFF Office

GMM final details
orientations/membership so far

E-Board Meeting - 9-21 - 2:30pm 

officer reports
staff reports
GMM planning
US Labor Against the War
health care bargaining
fall AGEL
software purchase
orientations
executive session

E-Board Agenda for 8-26 Noon 
1. AFT-OR political action at the GMM
2. E-Council retreat
3. Health care bargaining