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Understanding Bullying in Our Schools
Bullying: To overcome it, we have to understand it. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Carol Morrison, a licensed clinical social worker and director of New Directions Clinic, explores how bullying impacts not only students, but educators, school staff and entire school communities. Unpack what bullying looks like in 2025 and how its dynamics shape the emotional climate of our schools. Learn how educators can respond in grounded, sustainable ways and where to find support.
Queens Parent Conference 2025
Parents, caregivers, educators and community members convened at the UFT Queens borough office on Nov. 22 for the borough’s annual parent conference. The roughly 70 attendees learned about mental health, emergency preparedness, personal finances and more, while connecting with each other and taking time for themselves.
Thanksgiving Luncheon and Winter Coat Drive 2025
About 150 students living in temporary housing enjoyed a day of crafts, games, face-painting and fun at UFT headquarters on Nov. 22 to celebrate Thanksgiving and receive new winter gear courtesy of UFT members’ generosity. Headed by the UFT’s Middle Schools Division, the event provided each student with a new winter coat, a pair of gloves or mittens, a scarf and a hat to keep them warm in the coming winter months.
Federation of Nurses/UFT Professional Issues Conference 2025
About 300 nurses convened at a midtown hotel for a day of professional development, including a keynote address on neurology, during the federation’s annual Professional Issues Conference.
UFT United Community Schools food pantries 2025
Food pantries run by schools in the UFT’s United Community Schools network are lifelines for hundreds of needy families across New York City. The need was especially felt in late fall as a federal government shutdown delayed SNAP benefits for many and a surge in ICE detentions made immigrant populations wary.
What resources does the Member Assistance Program recommend that can help my family member who is affected by my addiction?
There are a number of community resources that can help those who are being affected by their loved one’s struggle with addiction. Traditional supports include Al-Anon for families impacted by another person’s alcoholism, Nar-Anon for families...
What support can the Member Assistance Program provide to help with my life after my treatment ends?
Life is what happens after treatment, therefore aftercare is extremely important! Effective aftercare means attending support groups, having a sponsor and being in consistent therapy. Remember, addiction is a disease that requires attention. If you...
If I am struggling with addiction, am I able to apply for a leave and take time off to seek treatment?
Addiction is a disease of the brain and as such requires medical attention. If you decide to go to inpatient rehab, it is your responsibility to contact your payroll secretary and principal prior to your admission and inform them that you will be...
Where can I find a support group for dealing with addiction for myself or my loved one?
If you need a more immediate resource with specific times and days for a group, you may look at the New York Inter-Group schedule. SMART Recovery is also a great source of support for those who do not align with a traditional 12-step model. The...
I’m a UFT member and have made the decision to go into treatment. What happens next?
The Member Assistance Program can help you understand the next steps. Everyone’s journey towards recovery looks different and it can feel overwhelming to navigate it. You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to MAP at 212-701-9620, or email...
I am struggling with addiction. How much does treatment cost?
While this varies with your insurance, usually if you go to an in-network facility, your insurance covers treatment and you will be responsible for a modest co-payment. Contact your insurance company to understand what your out-of-pocket...
Does the Member Assistance Program recommend locations where should I go for treatment if I am struggling with addiction?
Depending on the history of your use, it can be therapeutic to take a break from your everyday environment and go somewhere where you can focus on understanding the nature of your addiction and learn new coping strategies to deal with cravings and...
As someone struggling with addiction, what should I know about detox?
Drug detoxification, or detox, is sometimes the first step in a comprehensive rehabilitation program, depending on what substances you are using. Detox can prevent unpleasant or fatal consequences that can arise from sudden cessation of use. It is...
As someone struggling with addiction, what should I know about the difference between “rehab” and outpatient treatment for addiction?
Rehabilitation services (or “rehab”) are meant to help a patient reset some of the patterns that have led to the cycle of the addiction process. Rehab is where you stay at a facility for a set amount of time (up to 28 days, but can be shorter or...
I’m a UFT member and have made the decision to go into treatment. What does treatment look like?
Treatment varies depending on the addictive behavior being displayed. Recommendations for treatment are based on a thorough evaluation of the relationship you have with the substance(s)/behaviors you are engaging in. More intense treatment could...
How can my union help me or my loved one address an addiction issue?
The Member Assistance Program is committed to your well-being. Apart from offering short-term counseling services, MAP offers confidential support around addiction with a trained professional who can assess mental health and substance use issues and...
How many times a year can I contact the UFT Mental Health Helpline?
There is no limit to the number of times you can use the UFT Mental Health Helpline. Please note that the helpline is not a substitute for long-term counseling and you are not guaranteed to receive the same counselor every time you call.
Is there a fee to use the UFT Mental Health Helpline?
Contacting the UFT Mental Health Helpline is free of charge as a benefit of being a UFT member. The cost of services by external providers that the helpline may refer you to is based on various factors. Please check with your health insurance...
Will the information I tell the UFT Mental Health Helpline go back to my school or my principal/supervisor?
Both MAP and the UFT Mental Health Helpline are confidential services. Exceptions to confidentiality only occur if you are at imminent risk to yourself or others.
Can I call the UFT Mental Health Helpline instead of the UFT Call Center?
If your call is mental health related, yes! If your call is related to other union-related inquiries, no. Please call the UFT Call Center at 212-331-6311 for any non-mental health related inquiries – including information about leaves, pension...
What services does the UFT Mental Health Helpline provide? When should I call the UFT Mental Health Helpline?
For immediate help 24/7, in multiple languages. When in need of mental health assistance after normal business hours, on weekends or on holidays. Finding someone to speak with, in the language you feel most comfortable in, to help manage life’s...
What services does the UFT Member Assistance Program (MAP) provide? When should I call MAP?
For non-urgent situations when you can wait up to 48 hours for a call back from the MAP Program. Call the UFT Mental Health Helpline if you are in crisis, experiencing distress, need resources or a referral. Our counselors are available for UFT...
Who does the UFT Mental Health Helpline serve?
All UFT members and their families. You will be asked to verify your membership with your UFT ID number.
What is the UFT Mental Health Helpline?
The UFT's Member Assistance Program has teamed up with Vibrant Emotional Health to provide vital mental health support whenever a UFT member or their families are in need. Our 24/7 dedicated mental health support line is available 365 days a year in...
Are there any costs to use services provided by the UFT Member Assistance Program?
The Member Assistance Program is available free of charge to all UFT members. Your insurance plan may cover services for additional resources or referrals, depending on the plan you are enrolled in.
What happens in a UFT Member Assistance Program counseling session?
A counseling session is a confidential meeting between you and a MAP mental health professional to discuss your concern and figure out how best to resolve it.
What services can I receive through the UFT Member Assistance Program (MAP)?
Short-term individual counseling provided by professionally trained and licensed counselors in our offices for a variety of concerns members may have, from marital or family problems to stress or workplace issues or alcohol and drug addiction Short...
What kinds of issues can the UFT Member Assistance Program (MAP) help me address?
The UFT Member Assistance Program can help members: Find mental health services to fit your needs Assess for and refer to appropriate substance abuse programs Help with marital or family relationship problems Arrange assistance for victims of...
Resolution supporting the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) and advancing pay equity, racial justice, and fair collective bargaining in women’s sports
The United Federation of Teachers, stands in full solidarity with the WNBPA and its members in their collective bargaining negotiations, and calls on the WNBA to bargain in good faith before the current agreement’s expiration.
Resolution to protect play and experiential learning during the school day
The United Federation of Teachers opposes developmentally inappropriate practices and works to restore child-initiated play and experiential learning with the active support of teachers in their rightful place at the heart of early childhood...
Resolution commemorating the significance of Stonewall and ongoing LGBTQIA+ advocacy
The UFT reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, unequivocally condemning all forms of discrimination and actively opposing any policies or rhetoric that diminish their rights or protections.
Resolution to support student dignity and well-being at Escuela Elemental Dr. Julio J. Henna
The UFT will support and help fund the installation of a student shower and clothing closet at Escuela Elemental Dr. Julio J. Henna, ensuring that all students have access to the essential resources they need to feel confident, respected and prepared...
Resolution in support of Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa
The UFT will work with local and international partners to support humanitarian relief efforts in Jamaica, including through donations to reputable relief organizations and the UFT Disaster Relief Fund.
Contact MAP
See how to contact the Member Assistance Program and our support services for UFT members.
Testimony of Anne Goldman on the state of nursing in New York City
Anne Goldman, vice president for non-DOE and private sector members at the Federation of Nurses/UFT, delivered testimony before the City Council Committee on Hospitals.
Well-being resources
Download free mindfulness apps, take a fast online quiz to assess your stress level, learn more about nature therapy, and so much more with our collection of online self-care resources.