Paraprofessional Representative Suzette Robbins (left) of PS 329 in Brooklyn is joined by UFT Political Action Coordinator Greg Monte at the Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, office of City Councilwoman Alexa Aviles as she urges Aviles to support the "RESPECT check" legislation.
Small UFT contingents led by paraprofessionals met with New York City Council members throughout March to lobby them to support the “RESPECT check” legislation.
“We’re hoping to educate our elected officials about the life of a paraprofessional, the role of a paraprofessional, and the impact and importance of paraprofessionals in our classrooms,” said UFT Political Director Vanecia Wilson.
Suzette Robbins, the paraprofessional representative at PS 329 in Brooklyn, attended several in-person meetings with City Council members at their district offices.
“I told them my story,” she said. “Our living wage is not livable anymore. I’ve been a paraprofessional for almost 26 years, and I’m working two jobs and looking for a third.”
Robbins said the Council members she spoke with were receptive. She said face-to-face meetings with elected officials were a powerful form of persuasion.
“They need to hear us,” she said.