Looking ahead to the fall elections, AFT's healthcare leaders came to Washington, D.C., in October to map out a game plan that will duplicate the success of the 2002 congressional elections, when the AFL-CIO mobilized thousands of union volunteers who distributed fliers, made phone calls and knocked on countless doors in a get-out-the-vote effort. Beyond voter turnout, much of the push is to educate voters on the economy, healthcare and education, as well as strategies for political fundraising.

The council also heard about innovative strategies by Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE), the state affiliate in New Jersey, to address key priorities such as staffing, pensions/retirement, wages and mandatory overtime. Seeking a more powerful collective voice, HPAE has created the One Voice campaign, which will establish uniform standards for healthcare workers statewide. Several locals that aligned their contract expiration dates over the past few years plan to engage in coordinated bargaining with multiple employers. The campaign also will include community outreach and public relations.

One Voice is just one more way to empower members, says Ann Twomey, president of HPAE and an AFT vice president. "We don't get heard unless we do it collectively."