The AFT is considering a fundamental shift in resources, energy and attention to substantially expand its organizing capacity and develop a more active, involved membership at all levels of the union. In January, the national union’s executive council discussed a model that would reinvigorate the union’s organizing. It includes crafting a message and agenda designed to appeal to new members and younger employees, and organizing employees in charter schools as well as early childhood educators.

AFT secretary-treasurer Nat LaCour, who chairs the union’s organizing committee, says that the AFT faces a “demographic tidal wave” of veteran members who are retiring and are being replaced with younger employees. He says the organizing plan is a long-term vision to create a membership that wants to participate in the union as part of a movement, not just an organization that provides services. The May/June issue of American Teacher will include a Special Report on the new organizing model.