(left to right) Greg Rusciano, Isaac Jimenez, Ben Arenger, Melissa Hartland, Christine O’Connell, Mary Ellen Maguire, Josephine Nagle.
The AFT Convention was held July 15-18 in Washington, DC. URA-AFT members were selected to the delegation to represent the local in our March election.
Delegation Statements
The AFT Convention provided a fascinating introduction into the inner workings of our union. The sessions highlighted our brothers and sisters’ work to strengthen the workers’ movement in the US and internationally. I am inspired to bring the organizing spirit back to our local.
Ben Arenger, Executive Board member
The AFT Convention was alive. Being surrounded by our union brothers and sisters is so empowering. We are here to do the work, and in this space, we have the opportunity to put in the effort and see the effect, in real time. It is both comforting and validating to see how our concerns are the same as those of our counterparts throughout the country. Through such valuable discussions and debate, I have learned so much.
Melissa Hartland, Newark Campus Vice President
AFT Convention was a blast connecting with other higher education, K12 and healthcare workers from across the country. We resolved questions on higher education, organizing, the right to refuse use of AI, abolishing ICE, May Day 2028, and Medicare for All which I moved we support as an amendment on the floor that actually passed! The quote that stuck with me most was from Texas AFT President Zeph Capo who said, “Our members will forgive us if we fight and fail, but they will not if we choose not to fight at all.” Let’s reinvigorate the fight in our local!
Isaac Jimenez, URA Secretary
At a time when our democracy feels like it’s slipping away, participating in the AFT National Convention has renewed my hope for our future. We voted on resolutions protecting and uplifting ALL workers through the democratic process. I will carry this experience with me as we work to strengthen our local and negotiate a strong contract. Solidarity forever!
Mary Ellen Maguire, URA Executive Vice President
Thank you to our members for sending our team of delegates to the 2026 AFT Convention in Washington, D.C. For four days, from early morning to late at night, we participated in general sessions with nearly 3,000 people, committee meetings, workshops, and receptions. The body adopted dozens of resolutions on important issues such as affordability, AI, and protecting the right to vote. The timely resolutions, vast resources, and strengthened relationships from the convention will help our union as we continue to protect and improve the jobs and lives of our members. Solidarity!
Josephine Nagle, Newark Campus rank and file member
It is an honor to be the ranking delegate representing the URA delegation at the 2026 AFT National Convention in Washington, D.C. It is inspiring to be part of the decision-making body and helping to set the collective priorities of AFT moving forward. Hearing from legends like United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huertas and AFSCME President Lee Saunders, who have fought the fight for decades and are still hopeful through tough times gives us new hope. Learning from other locals across the country about strong language they have secured in their contracts to improve the lives of their members gives us new ideas and reaffirms our commitment to do the same. Thank you to our members for the privilege of representing you.
Christine O’Connell, URA President
For more AFT convention news, visit AFT Convention | American Federation of Teachers
