Other Committees

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Standing and Special Committees

BTF has a number of committees that give members the opportunity to get involved in areas that are important to them and help strengthen our union.  Our committees focus on a variety of areas—from member advocacy and professional issues to community engagement, social events, and member representation.

Below you’ll find information about each of our BTF Special Committees and Standing Committees, including the committee chair(s) and a brief overview of the committee’s work.

BTF Standing Committees

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee helps welcome and engage new members by providing support, mentoring, and outreach. The committee also plans new member meetings and activities that encourage members to connect, get involved, and become active participants in BTF.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Danielle Harris

Chairperson

Grievance Committee

The Grievance Committee meets as needed to review Level 1 grievances and determine whether a contractual violation has occurred. Based on its review, the committee determines whether a grievance should move forward to the next level of the grievance process.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Joseph Montante

Chairperson

IPD

The charge of the IPD (Instructional and Professional Development) Committee is to work with MROs and NYSUT Labor Relations Specialists to provide meaningful professional development on union-related topics that help keep BTF members informed and engaged.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Melinda MacPherson-Sullivan

Chairperson

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee helps oversee the financial matters of BTF by reviewing the Federation’s finances and making recommendations to the Executive Committee. The committee also assists in developing the annual budget and recommends funding for elected delegates attending conventions.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Joseph Montante

Chairperson

BTF Special Committees

Social Justice Steering Committee

The charge of the Social Justice Committee is to advance the Union’s efforts to eliminate discrimination and social injustice. The committee collaborates with other committee chairs to coordinate projects, initiatives, and events that support these efforts throughout BTF.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Eve Shippens

Chairperson

LGBTQIA+ Committee

The charge of the LGBTQIA+ Committee is to advocate for and support LGBTQIA+ members by providing information, resources, and opportunities for engagement while promoting a safe and welcoming union, workplace, and community. The chair also serves on the Social Justice Steering Committee.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Norm Duttweiler

Chairperson

BIPOC Committee

The charge of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Committee is to support members of color and allies who value diversity and inclusion. The committee provides opportunities to connect, build relationships, and empower members within our union. The chair also serves on the Social Justice Steering Committee.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Ellen Malone

Chairperson

Public Relations/Community Engagement

The Public Relations/Community Engagement Committees promote a positive image of our union and strengthen our connection with the community. The committees help promote BTF activities across social media and other platforms, review donation requests, seek advertising opportunities, and support fundraisers, parades, and other community events.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Tara Rosa

Chairperson

Technology Committee

The charge of the Technology Committee is to administrate the BTF App and identify ways technology can improve communication, engagement, and resources within the union.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Brian Meyer

Chairperson

Social Committee

The charge of the Social Committee is to bring members together through social events and activities that encourage participation, strengthen connections, and promote a sense of camaraderie and solidarity throughout our union while providing opportunities for members to connect outside of the workplace.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Amy Flynn

Co-Chairperson

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Andrea Manna

Co-Chairperson

PAC/VOTE Cope Committee

The BTF Political Action Committee keeps members informed about political issues and endorsements affecting public education. The committee interviews candidates seeking BTF endorsement and makes recommendations to union leadership. VOTE/COPE raises funds to support pro-education initiatives, such as Fix Tier 6, and candidates.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Melinda
MacPherson-Sullivan

Co-Chairperson

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Eve Shippens

Co-Chairperson

Health and Safety Committee

The charge of this Committee is to promote the overall health and safety of our teachers in the workplace. It serves as a liaison to BTF leadership by identifying unhealthy or unsafe conditions in school buildings, sharing findings with leadership, and presenting concerns at Labor/Management meetings.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Danielle Harris

Co-Chairperson

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Mike Jeffers

Co-Chairperson

Women's Committee

The charge of the Women’s Committee is to identify and address issues of inequality affecting women, educate and engage BTF members, and encourage emerging and diverse union leaders. The committee chair also serves on the Social Justice Steering Committee.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Daphne Blue

Co-Chairperson

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Desiree Breckenridge
Barnes

Co-Chairperson

Educators of Special Education

The committee is made up of Special Education teachers who monitor issues within the District’s Department of Special Education. Using their knowledge of best practices and legal requirements, committee members work to ensure compliance with contractual requirements and State Education Department regulations.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Amy Flynn

Co-Chairperson

Buffalo Teachers Federation

Greg Sawicki

Co-Chairperson