What is Knocktober?

We all understand how much is at stake in the November 5, 2024, elections for public schools, students and educators. Whether it is the race for president, Congress, the Wisconsin Legislature or a local school referendum, the outcomes of the elections will have a great impact on students’ learning conditions and WEAC members’ working conditions, among many other things.

It can be hard to keep up. Throughout the election season, WEAC will share important information to help WEAC members make informed decisions and will provide opportunities for members to get involved in the election. The Election Resources page will be updated frequently, as will other relevant sections of WEAC.org and the communications WEAC members receive.

Knocktober  

Will you commit to spending two hours during one weekend in October to knock on the doors of public education supporters and remind them how important it is to vote on November 5?

Most people enjoy canvassing once they try it, and it is even more fun when you join other educators from your area.

Check out the list of educator canvasses and days of action that have been organized–and sign up. More events will be added as they are scheduled, so check back often.

Candidate and Referendum Recommendations

Election Day is November 5, but with absentee ballots having arrived in the mail, election decisions are already upon us.

WEAC and NEA survey candidates with questionnaires. Throughout Wisconsin this summer, WEAC members took time to participate in legislative candidate screening committees to meet those vying for public office and to have a chance to see where they stand on issues that impact students, communities, and schools. At the end of this process, candidate recommendations are sent to the WEAC board of directors for final decisions. Those decisions are found on the Union Recommended Candidates page on WEAC.org.

The National Education Association, through its Educators Vote initiatives, has presidential candidate comparisons and a host of other resources on NEA.org.

WEAC.org also has resource pages for the NEA’s recommended candidates for President and U.S. Senate.

Phone Banks

Every Wednesday from now until Election Day, WEAC will host a virtual phone bank via Zoom for WEAC members. There will be one phone bank every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., and one from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

We provide the phone numbers and background information. As an educator encouraging people to support pro-education candidates and referendum questions, you provide credibility. Education supporters trust educators to know what is best for students and schools.

Debate Watch Parties

On September 10, WEAC hosted Harris-Trump debate-watch parties and they were a big hit. On October 1 in New York City, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance will face off in the first and only scheduled vice-presidential debate before the November 5 presidential election. Why not watch the debate with other WEAC members who understand education issues and share your values?

WEAC is hosting a live virtual debate watch party on Zoom and is sending party kits to any WEAC member who wants to host a watch party in their community. Kits include T-shirts, debate-watch bingo cards, and other swag. Register now and tell us which kind of party you want to have.

We will host more parties for Senator Tammy Baldwin’s debate with Eric Hovde on October 18.

WEAC will host more parties as more debates  are scheduled.

11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication from WEAC to its members and staff.