RECLAIM THE PROMISE OF THE VOTING BOOTH

WHEREAS, the forces trying to dismantle and privatize public education and public services and silence the voice of workers and their unions are well-organized, well-funded and are spread across the country; and

WHEREAS, our ultimate source of power is the unity and activism of our members along with our community partners; and

WHEREAS, the American Federation of Teachers has taken great strides in joining with the community to build a pro-education, pro-public services, comprehensive healthcare services and retirement-security agenda for all Americans; and

WHEREAS, AFT affiliates have already established—through their participation in the December Day of Action, the Mobilization May events and past electoral activities—that they have the commitment and the strength to execute nationwide united actions, and can continue to increase electoral participation; and

WHEREAS, the November elections will have real and long-term impact on communities, on our members and on the institutions in which they work; and

WHEREAS, tools such as the Education Voter Pledge Card are a great way to send the message that member education and more member involvement are needed to win in November:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will encourage affiliates to reclaim the promise of the voting booth and work in collaboration with community and labor partners to implement coordinated voter education drives.