The ACE lobbying program puts the AFT frontline in touch with federal movers and shakers in their own backyards

In mid-October, Congress will break for its traditional Columbus Day recess. It may sound like downtime in the legislative process, but AFT members like Jon Runnalls know better.

A sixth-grade science teacher from Helena, Mont., Runnalls is part of a growing number of AFT members from all divisions who are using breaks in the federal calendar to meet with their U.S. representatives and senators—offering a ground-floor perspective on the issues that affect ordinary Americans the most.

It’s a chance to build relationships with lawmakers that can help make the difference when the tough votes are cast on issues ranging from federal spending for education to Social Security, says Runnalls, who joined fellow AFT members recently for a candid discussion of education funding, the No Child Left Behind Act and Social Security at the home office of Rep. Dennis Rehberg (R-Mont.).

"It’s one thing to hear from the union in Washington, but if politicians hear it back home—from the grass roots, from the people in the trenches—it’s much more meaningful," explains the middle school teacher.

And that’s precisely the thinking behind the Activists for Congressional Education (ACE) program, which was launched by the AFT earlier this year. To date, AFT delegations have held more than 50 meetings with congressional representatives. More than 250 such meetings, focused on districts where union membership is strong, are expected over the coming weeks and months.

"We want to build on the unprecedented member activism we saw in the 2004 campaign," AFT president Edward J. McElroy explains. "We are working with AFT members to encourage them to meet with their congressional representatives in their home districts at least twice a year to discuss key legislative issues.

"Members of Congress are much more responsive when they hear from people who live in the districts they represent," says McElroy, who stresses that the ACE program will be a long-term effort to build strong and lasting working relationships with both sides of the aisle in Congress. The bottom line is "educating lawmakers on issues of importance to our members and letting them know that we are paying attention to what’s happening on Capitol Hill."

It’s a face-to-face opportunity for members and local leaders to give politicians a frontline take on the good, the bad and the ugly behind major federal laws and proposals. Pamela Sue Campbell, president of the Eau Claire (Wis.) School Classified Staff, was one of the first to participate in an ACE meeting and used the meeting at the home office of Rep. David R. Obey (D-Wis.) to detail some of the problems that classified employees face under NCLB, including the lack of planning that would allow classifieds to take their "highly qualified educator" status from one district to another (see sidebar). "Congressman Obey has been receptive to our issues," Campbell says, "and I think the meeting helped [his office] understand the finer points of what they already know and what they are supporting."

Runnalls, a former state teacher of the year who for a time was not considered a "highly qualified" teacher under NCLB, says much of his group’s discussion with Rep. Rehberg focused on the need to inject common sense into this section of the law. Too many teachers are not given the opportunity to show they are highly qualified based on their experience and track record in the classroom, Runnalls explains.

The result at his school has been a number of "fellow teachers who are wonderful teaching who will not get that highly qualified teacher" designation. He also brought up how, by missing only one of 52 criteria, his school recently was placed on the "failed to meet adequate yearly progress" list. "These are things we need to address in the law," Runnalls told his congressman.

Mark Evenson, a college professor and member of the AFT’s higher education division in Wisconsin, says that NCLB and Social Security figured heavily in his group’s recent discussion with Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.). "There was also some discussion of the Perkins program and Pell Grants and other things that help students cope with the cost of higher education." Because of these meetings, lawmakers "know we are concerned, they know who we are and they remember we are constituents," Evenson says.

Most of the initial meetings have focused on three major concerns: preventing the privatization of Social Security, fixing problems with NCLB, and providing strong federal support for schools and other vital domestic programs. The issues will change as the ACE program moves ahead in the weeks and months to come.

What will remain constant, however, is the initiative’s emphasis on frank, issues-oriented discussions with leaders of both parties with an eye toward building a strong and lasting working relationship, says John Ost, director of the AFT political and legislative mobilization department. "ACE provides a natural point of contact between the union and Congress, regardless of the issue," he adds. "We’re already building relationships with [lawmakers] and pleased with the progress made so far."

And an effective ACE program can only put the wind at the backs of AFT political activities inside the Beltway, notes Tor Cowan, director of the AFT department of legislation. "ACE reinforces the capacity of our department. They hear us better in Washington because they’ve heard it on the local level."