Michigan Represents at AFT National Convention
Nearly 70 of us from 16 AFT Michigan locals journeyed to DC last week to attend the AFT Convention. Many Michigan locals were recognized for our organizing and bargaining successes, we built relationships with leaders from across the nation (and world), we deliberated on resolutions, and we voted to elect the leaders of our national union. President Randi Weingarten, Secretary-Treasurer Fed Ingram, and Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus were re-elected as our union’s top officers, and Eric Rader, Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins, and I were elected to serve on the AFT Executive Council. Thank you to all the Michigan delegates for putting in the time and effort to participate in our national convention.
Click here to see a roundup of Convention highlights.
Click here to watch Randi’s State of the Union speech.
AFT Michigan is Hiring: Healthcare Constituency Coordinator
AFT Michigan is seeking an experienced and energized person to join our dynamic statewide union of educators and healthcare providers as our Healthcare Constituency Coordinator. This position is one of three Constituency Coordinators, each focused on one of our main membership constituencies: Healthcare, Higher Education, and PreK-12 Education. Our team works with approximately 100 local unions across the state to build strong locals, develop leadership, bargain and enforce contracts, organize, and work for social justice.
For more information and to apply click here
NABET-CWA Rally Monday, July 27
The National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-Communications Workers of America (NABET-CWA) Local 43 represents broadcasting professionals, including photographers, editors, engineers, and technicians in the Detroit, Michigan area.
Union members at Fox 2 are currently working without a contract. Stand with NABET-CWA Local 43 as they rally for a new contract. The hardworking people in front of the camera and behind the scenes who keep the station on air deserve fairness, respect and a contract that values their labor.
Union Member Phonebank for Donavan McKinney for CD-13
Volunteer to contact union members about the upcoming Primary Election and union-endorsed candidate Donavan McKinney, running for Michigan’s 13th Congressional District!
Phonebanks are held virtually on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays from 6 – 8pm EDT. These are remote phonebanks using a dialer system. RSVP and join the Zoom, where a union lead will help connect you to the phone bank.
No experience necessary! All union members and allies’ welcome
Here is the link to RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/miaflcio/event/990824/
AFT Climate Action
Climate change is already affecting our schools, hospitals and communities. From extreme heat to unhealthy air, educators, healthcare professionals and public service workers are seeing the impact every day.
The AFT is working alongside members to advocate for healthier buildings, stronger workplace protections, renewable energy investments and the freedom to teach the science of climate change.
Learn how educators are helping build healthier, more resilient communities: https://www.aft.org/climate
Order AFT Organizing Materials
All year long we mobilize and organize our members, our communities and the people we serve.
AFT refreshed organizing materials are now available for you to order. You can order them here: go.aft.org/AFTmaterials.
Organizing materials are available year-round. Whenever you are planning an organizing push, union event, back-to-school event or other mobilizing opportunity, you can select the resources you need, including organizing brochures that show prospective members how to amplify their voice, a Value of Belonging poster that highlights our accomplishments, buttons and bumper stickers to show union support, and professional learning options and benefits brochures that reinforce our day-to-day support for our members.
Place your order and spread the word: We’re working together to create a better life for all!
Share My Lesson’s Summer of Learning
Share My Lesson’s Summer of Learning includes 30+ free, for-credit webinars designed to fit busy summer schedules.
Attend live or watch on demand whenever it works. The lineup includes practical sessions on topics such as:
- Supporting Youth Mental Health with NAMI
- Rethinking Behavior with UDL: Moving Beyond Compliance to Student Engagement
- Emotional Intelligence for Educators with Empowered Educator
- Student Food Security with Food Research & Action Center
- Self-Care When Work and Life Keep Changing with Mom’s Hierarchy
- AI in Education with Center for Democracy & Technology—and much more.
Explore the PSRP Webinar Guide.
The Best Free AI Tools for Teachers
AI is changing quickly—but with so many new tools available, it can be hard to know which ones are actually worth your time.
To help, we’ve compiled our favorite 10 free AI tools for teachers in 2026. Whether you’re creating lesson plans, differentiating instruction, giving feedback or sparking creativity, these tools can help you save time while keeping great teaching at the center of every classroom.
The list includes favorites like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, NotebookLM, Canva Magic Studio and, of course, Share My Lesson’s AI Educator Brain (EdBrAIn).
You’ll also find practical guidance on:
- Which tools are best for different classroom tasks
- Ways to personalize learning and save planning time
- Important guardrails for using AI responsibly with students
Contribute to the AFT Michigan PAC Today
AFT Michigan fights for our members, students, patients and communities all year round and we need your help. Can you donate $1 a week to aid us in this fight? Please visit the AFT Michigan website to contribute and make a big difference in protecting public education and building a better Michigan future!
In solidarity,
Terrence Martin
President
