REPRESENTATION
The biennial AFT convention is the most important policymaking body of the federation. The vitality and democracy of the union depend upon participation in the convention by delegates from all affiliates in good standing. Important resolutions and constitutional amendments, as well as the election of the AFT president, secretary-treasurer, executive vice president and 39 vice presidents, will be in the hands of the delegates. Delegates to the AFL-CIO convention also will be elected. Each affiliate should take part in the election and in all other important convention business. Plan now to ensure representation from your affiliate.

Please study the following information carefully. The constitutional provisions for AFT conventions have been adopted in order to ensure AFT members representation in their governing body. Delegates must be nominated and elected according to the Constitution and the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (commonly referred to as "Landrum-Griffin"). The credentialing process must be followed so that the convention officers can be sure that the will of the membership prevails. If affiliate officers and delegates comply with these requirements, they will save themselves and the convention officers time and avoid disappointment.

HOW TO DETERMINE NUMBER OF DELEGATES*
Article VIII, Section 2, of the AFT Constitution provides that a local shall have one delegate plus one additional delegate for each 100 members or major fraction thereof. Therefore, each local should have representation as follows:

Average Membership June 2006 through May 2008

50 or fewer 1 delegate
51-150 2 delegates
151-250 3 delegates
251-350 4 delegates
351-450 5 delegates
451-550 6 delegates

(*Formula also applies to members-at-large of state federations.)

RETIREE LOCALS
Each chartered organization of retired members may elect one delegate to the AFT convention in the manner prescribed by Article VIII, Sections 1(a) and 1(d), and shall be entitled to one vote at the convention. Such delegate shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of a delegate except that such delegate shall not be entitled to nominate any candidate for federation office or cast a vote in the election of federation officers unless such delegate has been elected to that position by secret-ballot vote.

YOUR DELEGATION CANNOT BE SEATED UNLESS:
The credential list of elected delegates and alternates is in the national office no later than June 11, 2008*, as spelled out in the section herein titled "CREDENTIALS."
Per capita is paid through May and sent to the national office by June 30, 2008. Affiliates chartered from May 11 to July 11, inclusive, may secure representation by paying per capita for two months.

All other good-standing requirements are met no later than June 11, 2008*, as spelled out in the section herein titled "GOOD STANDING."

(*Note earlier deadline, new for 2008, approved at the 2006 AFT convention.)

Any challenges or appeals will be referred to David J. Strom, AFT general counsel, who will make recommendations with strict constitutional interpretation to the AFT executive council.

GOOD STANDING
Only affiliates in good standing in accordance with AFT Bylaws, Article X, Sections 1 and 2(a), p. 25, current for 2006, shall be eligible for representation at the AFT convention. If you have questions regarding these requirements, call the AFT good standing helpline at 800-900-2343 for assistance.

Section 1. To be in good standing in the AFT, affiliates must meet the following requirements:

(a) payment of per capita to the AFT on all members, with arrears not to exceed two months, and to the applicable state federation consistent with its constitution;
(b) current in submission of the affiliate's annual audit or financial review in keeping with Sections 1 and 2 of Article IX of the AFT Bylaws;
(c) current in submission to the AFT of names and addresses for the principal executive and financial officers;
(d) current in submission to the AFT of the names and addresses of current members of the affiliate's executive board;
(e) current in submission of a membership roster; and
(f) current in submission of a copy of the affiliate's up-to-date constitution.

Section 2. Only affiliates in good standing shall be eligible for:

(a) representation at the AFT convention. In order to satisfy such good-standing requirements and in addition to the deadlines otherwise set forth in the AFT constitution and bylaws, each affiliate must provide the AFT with the information required in paragraphs 1(b)-(f) above no later than 30 days prior to the opening date of the convention.

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