Educator coalitions mobilize for investment

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is advocating for increased investment in public schools, healthcare, and public services, citing growing pressures on working families. The AFT's "Protect Our Kids, Our Families and Our Communities" mobilization brought together educators, parents, and community allies to address these issues. The AFT's mobilization included over 100 in-person events and online actions, with participation from members and community allies. These events included walk-ins, teach-ins, vigils, and online community actions across the country. The AFT is emphasizing the need for resources to recruit, retain, and respect educators and staff, offer well-rounded curricula, and maintain safe school buildings. The AFT has been actively involved in initiatives like the Innovation Fund, which has invested $14.5 million since 2009 to support educators' ideas and strategies for strengthening public education. The AFT also promotes the Community Schools Strategy, which involves partnerships between schools and community organizations to provide services and support to students and families. The AFT has supported the creation of nearly 900 community schools through collaborations with local affiliates.