Photos of our 2017 Biennial Convention on May 19-20

The 2017 biennial convention for AFT Washington took place on May 19 and 20 at the Silver Reef Casino and Spa in Ferndale, Washington, this year. Over 80 delegates, guests, and staff attended. Since the casino is on the Lummi Nation's land, we invited Hereditary Chief Bill James to speak and invited the Blackhawk Singers to perform at our Friday evening program. To show appreciation, our organization presented them with a handmade quilt made up of various union t-shirts, and they presented us with a wool blanket. The quilt was made by Wadiyah Nelson and Annette Stofer, both from AFT Seattle Local 1789 with assistance from Dan Troccoli, AFT Project Staff.

For something fun, we had a social media table so delegates can sign up to receive posts through various on-line communications. Convention delegates donned different party accessories and had their photo taken which they then were able to take home with them. We've included the photos in this album.

Thank you everyone for attending and thank you to the delegates who participated in the business of the state federation.

Good company

At our reception

Keynote speaker Kent Wong, guest Cyndy Domingo, VP of Human Rights Tracy Lai, and guest Stan Shikuma. Both Cindy and Stan received the Cesar Chavez Human Rights Award.

President Karen Strickland recognizes retiring boardmember Lila Harper

Honoring retiring boardmember Margaret West

Greetings from Mark Lowry, NW Washington Central Labor Council

AFT Western Regional Director Gerard Friesz

Sarah McFarlane receives Cesar Chavez Human Rights Award from Tracy Lai, VP of Human Rights

A Cesar Chavez Human Rights Award to Stan Shikuma, WSNA member and human rights activist

Community activist Cindy Domingo receives a Cesar Chavez Human Rights Award for her work

Kent Wong talks about the fight for public education and immigrant rights

AFT sends plaque to AFT Seattle Local 1789 to commemorate their 50th anniversary

The Hereditary Elder of the Lummi Tribe Bill James and the Blackhawk Singers perform

Quilt presented to Bill James, Lummi Nation Hereditary Chief

Lummi National Blackhawk Singers and Dancers

Singers and dancers of all ages

WSLC President Jeff Johnson with Todd Hahn, AFT Washington boardmember behind him

Convention business begins on Saturday morning

Convention business

Treasurer Kenneth Pimpleton gives a report on the state of the treasury

Guy Astley (AFT Seattle Local 1789) takes podium to announce the delegate credentials. Also pictured Ann McCartney, Parliamentarian, and Karen Strickland, President.

Janet Watson (AFT Renton Local 6367) announces nominations for officer positions

A member addresses a resolution on the floor

Speaking to a resolution for consideration and vote

Another delegate speaks on a resolution

Discussing an amendment to a resolution

All in favor?

Candidate Forum

Simone Terrell tells the delegate why she wants to be elected for another term as VP for Community and Technical Colleges

Recipients of the Executive Board Award for Leadership

AFT Renton Local 6367 member Amy Edmisson given a Leadership Award for Collective Bargaining

Treasurers' Award presented to Todd Hahn (AFT Renton Local 6367) and Brad Fader (Shoreline CCFT Local 1950). Not pictured: Helen Lovejoy (Peninsula College Federation Local 3439).