Supporting a young person who has thoughts of suicide can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Jessica Torres, a licensed master social worker and crisis counselor, and Brennan Spector, a former Trevor Project volunteer and licensed mental health counselor, offer guidance for adults navigating these conversations. They explore the subtle signs a student may be struggling and the power of calm language and presence. Learn how adults can care for themselves while doing this emotionally demanding work.

About 200 school counselors gathered at UFT headquarters on March 28 for the 22^nd annual School Counselors Conference. The UFT members who filled Shanker Hall enjoyed a full day of workshops, networking and camaraderie with colleagues.

Members of the UFT Jewish Heritage Committee gathered on March 26 with colleagues, friends and family at the UFT Brooklyn borough office for a traditional Passover meal. At this annual event, the ritualized order of the meal, or seder, was themed on connections between the exodus story and the history of the labor rights movement.

About 1,000 UFT members, parents and advocates traveled to Albany on March 16 to lobby state legislators on key issues for the union. Members demanded that lawmakers Fix Tier 6 of the state pension system and reduce the retirement age to 55. They asked legislators to increase compensation for family child care providers and provide adequate state aid to city schools. Members also made their views known to lawmakers remotely via virtual Lobby Day activities during the week of March 16.

About 200 in-service and retiree members gathered at the UFT's Bronx borough office around the theme of "PowHering Through" for the union’s 8th annual HERstory Brunch & Celebration in honor of Women’s History Month. Attendees enjoyed a day of self-care and guided reflection, and they also sang "Happy Birthday" to the UFT in advance of the union’s 66th birthday on March 16.

Some 4,000 UFT members were joined by thousands of other unionists from across New York State as they packed MVP Arena in Albany on a Sunday to rally lawmakers to “Fix Tier 6.” Members demanded that state legislators lower to 55 the age at which Tier 6 members with 30 years of service can retire without penalty. The March 8 rally culminated months of “6” days actions by UFT members to make the need to Fix Tier 6 “visible,” “human,” and “loud.” UFT members waved poms-poms, held signs and cheered loudly during the March 8 rally, making it clear that Tier 6 must be fixed, and it must be fixed now!

More than 1,000 paraprofessionals gathered at the New York Hilton Midtown on March 7 for their UFT chapter’s annual awards luncheon. The event included professional learning sessions, a resource fair and carnival, and the presentation of awards to outstanding paraprofessionals from all five boroughs.

More than 1,000 school social workers gathered online and at UFT headquarters to celebrate the 10th annual UFT Social Workers Appreciation Day for a mix of networking opportunities and professional development focused on connecting with students.

UFT members have made it “visible,” made it “human,” and made it “loud” when it comes to advocating for the need to “Fix Tier 6.”  Members are pushing state lawmakers to fix Tier 6 of the state’s pension system by lowering the retirement age for Tier 6 members to age 55 after 30 years of service. Every month on the 6th, from January to March, members have participated in a coordinated action in support of fixing Tier 6, culminating with the Fix Tier 6 rally in Albany on March 8.

The UFT Muslim Educators Committee held its third annual Iftar dinner on Feb. 27 at UFT headquarters. More than 200 members and guests attended, including schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who was awarded by the committee for his championing of public education. Attendees broke their Ramadan fast with a traditional meal of milk, water and dates, and later enjoyed a hearty dinner.