Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541963
No one is going to save us but us ose nine words are the reason unions exist. Because there is no one — not even the best bosses or the most inspiring politicians — who will ever ght for workers as ercely as we ght for ourselves. During the Red for Ed movement, Arizona educators leaned into our own power — sparking a multistate movement where thousands of educators stood up for the fair pay and working conditions we all deserve. Today, in an era of unprecedented attacks on public education, more of our union colleagues across the country are seeking to learn from what we accomplished. In early November, AEA hosted about 150 union education leaders from across the country for two days of solidarity, organizing, and collective learning. I had the opportunity to share Arizona's story — how we realigned our budget and sta around an organizing framework, established shared language and goals, and transformed our union into a ghting, fast-moving organization ready for the challenges of the present and the future. To show that work in action, we brought our national colleagues into ve of our Phoenix-area locals — Scottsdale, Roosevelt, Deer Valley, Phoenix Union CTA, and Phoenix Union CEA — where they met directly with educators organizing in their schools. ey practiced how to have e ective organizing conversations, listen deeply to their colleagues, and build the relationships that turn individual frustrations into collective action. e goal of those visits was to show our national colleagues what we know to be true: that even in states where the political climate is hostile to unions and public education, real victories are still possible. Our experience in Arizona shows that when educators organize, listen, and act together, we can win anywhere. Arizona has long been a testing ground for bad education policy. But it's also home to some of the most determined, unstoppable educators in the country, and other states are taking notice. As we move into the second half of the school year, I look forward to continuing that progress with you. In solidarity, 4 ADVOCATE | WINTER 2025 IN SOLIDARITY by Marisol Garcia AEA OFFICERS Marisol Garcia President Angela Philpot Vice President Margaret Chaney Treasurer AEA STAFF Joaquin Rios Executive Director Geneva Fuentes Editor Roxanne Rash Graphic Design Advertising e AEA Advocate is published by the Arizona Education Association, 345 East Palm Lane, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1532. Phone: 602- 264-1774 or 800-352-5411 Fax: 602-240-6887. Email: info@ArizonaEA.org. AEA's website may be found at www.arizonaea.org. Permission to reprint any material originating with this publication is granted provided that credit is given to the AEA Advocate. e AEA Advocate (ISSN 0194-8849) is published in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer for $3.50 per year by the Arizona Education Association, 345 East Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004-1532. Periodicals postage paid at Phoenix, Arizona. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the AEA Advocate, 345 East Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85004-1532. Moving? Please let us know before you go. Simply clip your mailing label from the back of the Advocate and send it along with your new address to: AEA Advocate 345 East Palm Lane Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1532 In solidarity, Marisol Garcia, President Arizona Education Association