AFT logo (reads AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services)

What Kids and Communities Need Campaign Events

August 23

Neshaminy, PA

AFT President Randi Weingarten, AFT Pennsylvania President Arthur Steinberg and Neshaminy Federation of Teachers President Tara Huber distributed over 1,000 free books to kids and families, as well as classroom supplies for educators and school staff of the Neshaminy Schol District. The back to school event kicked off the AFT’s “What Kids and Communities Need” campaign. The distribution is part of AFT’s “Reading Opens the World” literacy initiative.

Scranton, PA

AFT President Randi Weingarten and Scranton Federation of Teachers President Rosemary Boland distribute over 2,000 free books to kids and families, as well as classroom supplies for educators and school staff of the Scranton School District as they prepare for the return to school this fall. National and local teachers union leaders stood with hundreds of Scranton educators and students at Tuesday’s event to continue the effort to ensure investment in kids and public schools is at the forefront. Additionally, the event will feature a mobile vaccination unit, as well as tabling and giveaways from community partners, including the Lackawanna County NAACP, the Fire Department, and the Scranton Public Library.

August 25

Nashua, NH

New Haven, CT

AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus and President of AFT Connecticut Jan Hochadel joins the New Haven Federation of Teachers to distribute 10,000 books as a part of the Reading Opens the World campaign.

August 30

Houston, TX

AFT President Weingarten joined Texas AFT President Zeph Capo hold a press conference at the University of Houston with AFT locals and district superintendents to announce a scholarship program for student teachers. AFT President Weingarten and Texas AFT President Capo hold in a roundtable discussion with public school and union leaders to share ideas and solutions to attract and retain educators. 

Socorro, TX

AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus visited  Socorro AFT in Texas to distribute over 4,000 free books to students, educators and classrooms of the Socorro Independent School District. The back-to-school event is part of the AFT’s “What Kids and Communities Need” campaign. DeJesus was joined by Socorro AFT President Veronica Hernandez, Socorro ISD Superintendent Dr. Nate Carman, State Representative Dr. Mary Gonzalez, Socorro ISD Escontrias STEAM Academy Principal Mr. Jessie Aguirre, Socorro ISD Paso del Norte Principal Fine Arts Academy Mr. Al Garcia.