S-T Talk January 2025

January 15, 2025

Prior issues of S-T Talk are available on our website. Just visit cwa.org/s-t-talk

QUARTERLY LOCAL S-T TOWNHALL ZOOMS:
We will begin our quarterly Local Secretary-Treasurer’s Townhall Zoom meetings in 2025. Mark your calendars for February 25th, May 27th, August 26th, and November 25th, from 3pm - 4pm ET. All CWA Local Secretary-Treasurers identified in Aptify should be on the lookout for your invitation to the meeting and an opportunity to submit questions and topics in advance.

For our first S-T Townhall zoom on February 25th, we will cover the fiduciary responsibilities associated with the Secretary-Treasurer position.

UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIP
Union Plus Scholarship Program
Last chance: The 2025 Union Plus Scholarship Application is due on January 31. Access the 2025 application at unionplus.org/scholarship.

Eligibility: Current and retired members of participating unions, their spouses, and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations).

At least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant's spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). The one-year membership minimum must be satisfied by May 31 of the scholarship year.

Access LOCAL Promotional Materials in the Union Plus Digital Toolkit: Union Plus Digital Toolkit - Education.

DISASTER RELIEF INFORMATION
CWA Disaster Relief Fund
Members are eligible for an assistance grant if their home is damaged due to a FEMA declared natural disaster. The National CWA program allows up to 6 months to submit the application for assistance. You can utilize this simple FEMA Declaration tool to see if your local resides in one of the areas affected and can share the benefit with your members. www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations

Please refer to the CWA Disaster Relief Fund Member Handbook-US. We want to make sure every eligible member has updated information to access financial assistance in the event of a FEMA declared natural disaster. Members and their locals have six (6) months from the date of the disaster declaration to file the Disaster Relief Fund application with the District staff assigned to the Disaster Relief Fund.

We also recently developed the CWA Disaster Relief Fund Member Handbook-Canada.

UNION PLUS Disaster Relief Grant Reminder:
Members who live in areas impacted by declared natural disasters in the last 24 months, and who participate in the Union Plus Credit Card, Mortgage, Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Auto Insurance, Personal Loan, and Retiree Healthcare programs may be eligible to access Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants. Eligible members must have their primary residence in a county or parish designated by FEMA as eligible for Individual Assistance. No proof of property damage required. Learn more at unionplus.org/disaster.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Kevin Celata at kcelata@cwa-union.org

DUES
Unit Updates
Do you have units that show “delinquent”, but are really gone (i.e. business closed, no longer members in that PU, deserted etc.)? Have an employer whose name has changed?

Both things can be handled with a Form 9A to HQ! You can get that form HERE.

Fill out the appropriate section on the bottom and return to DuesPU@cwa-union.org. We’ll get things updated for you promptly!

APTIFY
2025 CWA Annual Training Schedule: Level Up Your Skills!
Our 2025 training calendar is now available with packed sessions designed to make your work smoother and your skills sharper! Whether you’re new to Aptify or just need a refresher, we’ve got you covered.

Aptify & Dues Process | 3 hours
New to Aptify? This comprehensive session will teach you the ropes and guide you through the dues process with confidence.

Bottom-Up Dues Process Refresher | 1.5 hours
For those who already know Aptify—this refresher is designed for users familiar with our bottom-up dues structure. Get a solid review to keep things running smoothly!

New! Grievance Management Module | 2 hours
Discover our latest addition: the Aptify Grievance Management Module! This new tool will simplify the grievance process, from filing to resolution. With easy, web-based access, you can handle collective bargaining agreements, deadlines, and documents all in one place. Perfect for local, district, and sector users!

Microsoft Excel Tips for Aptify Data | 1.5 hours
Want to get the most out of your Aptify data? Join us for an Excel crash course! You’ll learn the best tips and tricks for navigating and optimizing your data like a pro.

Ready to sign up?
Complete and submit this form. If you have any questions, email us at AptifySupport@cwa-union.org.

COPE/COMPLIANCE
990 Reminder
All Locals, including Public Employee Locals, that have $25,000 or more in gross receipts must file an exempt organization information return Form 990 - Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax. This return is due on the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of the fiscal year. The fiscal year for most CWA Locals ends on September 30th, therefore, the 990 would be due on February 15, 2025. The due date may be extended for three months, without showing cause, by filing Form 8868 before the due date. An additional three-month extension may be requested on Form 8868 if the organization shows reasonable cause why the return cannot be filed by the extended due date.

If you have questions about this requirement, contact your nearest IRS office.

DOL Late Filer Notice
If your Local’s Fiscal Year ended on September 30th and you haven’t yet filed your Annual LM report, please do so as soon as possible. While the Department of Labor does not impose fines, filing reports late could lead to your local being audited.

Reports were due December 29, 2024.

MEMBER COMMUNICATION
Training on Using Social Media and Other Communications Tools
Join CWA’s Communications Department four our regularly scheduled monthly trainings on communications tools and strategies. In addition, we have a video library of previous training sessions for on-demand learning.

Check out our training schedule and recordings of previous training sessions here: cwa-union.org/CommsTrainings.

We also want to hear from you about what kinds of communications training would be most helpful going into 2025. Click here to take our survey to let us know!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Secure File Storage
Any paper files with sensitive information, especially social security numbers (including DRF-1s, 1099s, certain member files), should be kept in a locked drawer or cabinet and the key should not be publicly accessible. They should be shredded as soon as they are no longer needed.

These files that are scanned or stored digitally also need to be stored securely. Cloud access should be protected with multi-factor authentication, computers need to have strong passwords, and not accessed on public wi-fi networks. If they must be emailed, ensure the email is encrypted and/or the file is password protected. Review the Sensitive Data Management Guide in the Aptify Learning Lab for additional guidance on how to keep data secure to protect yourselves and our members.

ICYMI:(In Case You Missed It)
Register for your 2025 access to LinkedIn Learning through CWA/NETT
This resource is an essential learning tool for local officers to function effectively in the office environment, learning communication tools for member outreach and leadership skill building. Register today for your access in 2025 at this link https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0057-0030-c67204eef135459ba10477547f5cba43

In Unity,

Ameenah Salaam
Secretary-Treasurer