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AFT Convention Daily: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

AFT convention attendees check out the Action Hub.

AFT’s convention is about fighting for a better life for all

Welcome to Washington! Convention 2026 features AFT President Randi Weingarten’s State of the Union address, plus an inspiring speaker roster, including Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries and labor legend Dolores Huerta. Delegates will tackle resolutions ranging from protecting immigrant communities to safeguarding academic freedom. We’ll celebrate a new milestone in our union’s growth and examine how our union is building and deploying working people’s power to create a better life for all.

AFT officers pose with a Shiloh church member.

Service, solidarity and community take center stage at 'The Miracle on Ninth Street'

AFT delegates, community members and advocates gathered Wednesday afternoon at the historic Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., for “The Miracle on Ninth Street,” a community service event that kicked off the AFT convention.

An AFT staff member greets an in international guest at the convention.

International union leaders show solidarity with the AFT

Union leaders from over 30 countries—including Canada, Korea, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey and Ukraine—gathered for a welcome breakfast Wednesday morning in Washington, D.C. The AFT partners with unions around the world to help address global issues, many of which affect the daily lives of our members in the United States.

Panelists and participants in the faith and labor roundtable.

Labor and faith, sharing a table

Faith communities and the labor movement share a deep, intertwined history, grounded in common commitments to human dignity, justice and the worth of work. These two communities came together in a preconvention roundtable July 15 to discuss the history of their solidarity—but more importantly, to chart a course for the future.

Texas AFT President Zeph Capo leads a roundtable discussion and takes notes on a flip chart.

Building rural power starts with listening—and organizing

Union members gathered at an AFT preconvention session Wednesday to discuss building power in overlooked communities, with Texas AFT President Zeph Capo calling for more rural voices to shape the union's everyday work.

Don't miss AFT President Randi Weingarten's "State of the Union" speech during

The Activist Hub
 

Reception for AFT Delegates and Guests

Worth checking out

 

This daily update is produced by the AFT communications department.