AFT Public Employees Update

On Labor Day, AFT members across the country celebrated the power of labor and the joy that comes with belonging to a union.

The AFT’s 1.875 million members know that when we stand together, we have the power to win better pay and benefits, defend public services and fight for the programs and freedoms working families depend on. That’s the union difference. That’s the power of solidarity.

Resources for AFT Members

As a union founded on solidarity, equality and justice, the AFT stands in opposition to ICE and militarized policing in this country. The AFT has created many useful immigration resources that cover topics including knowing your rights when encountering U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, how to prepare for an encounter with ICE, how to create an emergency plan, and more. Many of these resources are specific to public employees, and you can access those resources here. Share them throughout your networks so that people understand their rights and know where to turn for help.

AFT Health and Safety resources are available for AFT members. Access these resources on Google Drive. You’ll find topics such as first aid, mental health and well-being, wildfire training, direct action care and much more. And visit our Health Hub for a wealth of information on health and safety topics for AFT members.

Our AFT organizing materials are also available for you to order here. These free materials are available year-round. When planning an organizing push, union event or other mobilizing opportunity, you can select the resources you need, including organizing brochures that show prospective members how to amplify their voices, an AFT Value of Belonging poster that highlights our accomplishments together, and various buttons and bumper stickers to show your union love.

Opportunities to Collaborate with AFT Staff and Leaders

• Monthly Public Employees Open Meeting. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 12-1 p.m. CDT. Join AFT Public Employees leaders and staff to discuss pressing issues facing our government employee members.

  
  

Upcoming Webinars, Conferences and Other Events

• Turning Rural Issues into Voter Power. Monday, Sept. 14, 5-6 p.m. CDT. HOLD THE DATE for our next Rural Power Series gathering. We will begin with election and vote planning, followed by a new training by Matt Hildreth at Rural Progress.

• Organizing to Protect Democracy: October Session. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7-8 p.m. CDT. The ACLU’s Organizing to Protect Democracy training series is built to help volunteers develop real organizing skills, strengthen leadership and take part in community-based defense of civil liberties. During this Zoom meeting, attendees willl learn how to take action in a moment when our communities are facing threats to their safety and rights.

• Mapping Rural Power and Building Partnerships. Thursday, Oct. 29, 5-6 p.m. CDT. This Rural Power Series gathering will include stories with community partners. We will move from our theoretical mapping discussion into an exercise in actual mapping.