Awards
Ben Rust Award
The CFT’s most prestigious honor
The CFT Ben Rust Award is the most prestigious honor that the Federation bestows upon its members or friends. The award honors an AFT member for their commitment and involvement in education, politics, and the trade union movement. The award is presented at the CFT Convention.
Dean Murakami Award
Dean Murakami chaired the CFT Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Committee for multiple years, and brought hundreds of critical racial and social justice issues to the attention of our union; he introduced and helped pass countless resolutions on issues ranging from the internment of Japanese Americans to the Poor People’s Campaign. Dean, a psychology professor, long-time president of the Los Rios College Federation of Teachers, and a long-serving CFT Vice President, will forever be known for his advocacy of the marginalized.
Women in Education Award
Honoring female unionists
The CFT established its Women in Education Award in 1981 to honor AFT/CFT locals and individual members for promoting the rights of women and issues of gender equity within an educational workplace.
Today, the Women in Education Award honors female members who exemplify the essence of the integral and crucial roles that women play in all aspects of our union’s culture, the union movement in general, and specifically the union movement within an educational setting. The award is presented at the CFT Convention.
Membership Growth Awards
Honoring outstanding local organizing success
The Membership Growth Awards are given to local unions who achieve outstanding organizing success. Two categories are recognized — largest growth in number of members and largest growth by percentage of bargaining unit size. The CFT also honors the formation of new AFT local unions in California and recognizes new groups of employees joining existing locals.
Communications Awards
Showcase your local union's best work
The Federation honors excellence and innovation in local union communications at the CFT Convention. The contest is a great way to recognize the efforts of union volunteers, leaders, and staffpersons who work hard to convey the union’s message. It’s also a great way to acknowledge the commitment your local union has made to succeed.
Pride of the Union Awards
Members honored for outstanding union activism
During the CFT Convention the EC/TK-12 Council presents its popular Pride of the Union Awards.The awards offer a wonderful way to honor active members in local unions. The EC/TK-12 Council encourages local unions to enter and encourages discussion of these awards among local executive boards.
Legislator of the Year
CFT honors outstanding California legislators
The CFT names a Legislator of the Year to acknowledge an individual’s extraordinary efforts in the State Capitol on behalf of educators and education. The award is presented at the CFT Convention.