The AFT PSRP leadership conference last month came chock-full of advice from activists on how to optimize campaigns, whether they focus on organizing, politics, a living wage or community service. PSRP co-chairs Carl Williams and Sarah Wofford led the proceedings. Williams is president of the Lawndale (Calif.) Federation of Classified Employees, a former school custodian and president of California’s classified members. Wofford is an accounting specialist for Rogue Community College and president of the Oregon School Employees Association. Eighteen AFT locals sent paraprofessionals and school-related personnel to Chicago April 10-12 for the conference.

As the Trump administration continues to attack higher education—cutting research grants, targeting free speech and restricting classroom materials—the AFT and the American Association of University Professors have unveiled a powerful new blueprint to restore and preserve higher education, just in time for the 2026 midterms.

Larry J. Carter Jr., President of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees, testified in the House Education Committee in strong support of HB283.

This bill sends a clear message, no teacher, bus operator, substitute, or school employee should ever be assaulted on the job and left wondering if anyone will take it seriously.

Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees President Larry Carter testified before the House Appropriations Committee on the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP), delivering a clear message on behalf of educators and school employees across our state.

President Carter highlighted the real financial pressures facing school systems, while also emphasizing that rising costs are impacting the very people who make our schools work every day, teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, and support staff. 

When the president of Colorado WINS learned that the president of the United States might be targeting Denver next in his anti-immigration campaign of terror, she knew how she’d begin to mobilize. One simple thing Diane Byrne does is deck out her activists in matching T-shirts. Wearing union colors promotes team spirit and builds confidence, she says. The AFT Public Employees program and policy council, meeting in New York City Feb. 5-6, abounded with tips to help locals mobilize. PPC chair Gary Feist, president of North Dakota Public Employees, recommended finding members who can tell a personal story to draw media attention. With more media on the issue, he said, legislators will become more motivated to fix the problem.