Dear AFT Member

Welcome to the AFT—the home of the people who make a difference in other people’s lives: more than 1.8 million educators and support personnel, healthcare workers and public employees fighting and caring about what kids and communities need. Showing up when it counts. Taking on the extremists who want to destroy public education, dismantle our democracy, defund public services, demonize the vulnerable—and the privatizers who are more concerned about healthcare profits than patients.

These values are at the heart of the AFT, and fighting for them is truly union work. That’s why our union goes to the mat on the issues that matter most in people’s lives: It’s at the heart of our Code Red campaign to address patient care and staffing. It’s why we’re a leader in helping borrowers escape crushing college debt. It’s why we work 24/7 to strengthen public education and higher education, including working with parents on investing in public schools and deepening the essential knowledge and skills students need. It’s why we’ve given away more than 1 million books to students and their families in the last year. It’s why we work with states and school districts to solve teacher and school staff shortages, lift salaries, lower class sizes, address trauma and gun violence, and create safe and welcoming schools for all children. It’s why we’re spearheading strategies to address healthcare worker burnout and winning groundbreaking contracts that put patients first. From the schoolhouse to the statehouse, from the hospital bedside to repairing our country’s roads and bridges, the AFT and our members are there to care, fight and show up in our communities.

Being in our union means you’re part of an AFT family that is 1.8 million-plus members strong—and a labor movement that Americans want more than ever. Recent polls show that unions are more popular than they have been since the 1960s. And the AFT is growing. Workers in more than 75 new units have joined us in the last two years—from charter schools, libraries, colleges, hospitals and more.

No one gives back like AFT members. Making a difference is why you chose a public service career in the first place! You bring so much to the AFT at this vital time. Here’s some of what your union offers you:

• A voice at work and the protection of a union that advocates for you and your profession.
• A community of colleagues, with networking and professional development opportunities: events, workshops and classes to enhance your career and help you share your expertise with others.
• Members-only discounts, and services like trauma counseling, student debt relief, insurance programs, a legal defense fund and more. (Visit https://members.aft.org/members/login to create your member profile and explore AFT + Member Benefits.)
• Member communications to help you stay informed on AFT news and current events that matter for your life and your work. Visit www.aft.org/enews to sign up.

If you have any questions about your AFT membership, please email us at membership@aft.org.

We’ve got your back. We see you. And we know that in this world of fear and despair, the road to a better future is our unity. Together, we can accomplish what is impossible alone. Thank you for all you do, and thank you for joining the AFT. We’re so glad you’re here.

In unity,

Randi Weingarten
AFT President