07/20/2026
Highlights of the 2026 AFT National Convention
AFT Convention
We are honored to call the 89th convention of the AFT. The AFT convention is the highest authority of our union and demonstrates union democracy at work. The convention is hereby called to convene at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. and will remain in session until such time as it has given full consideration to such matters as legally may be brought before it.
News from Convention
AFT President Randi Weingarten gestures while delivering the State of the Union speech from behind the podium at the AFT's national convention. She is wearing a white suit and standing in front of a backdrop of photos of union members.
Weingarten inspires delegates to fight for freedom, opportunity and justice
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks to the AFT convention.
Hakeem Jeffries: Let’s take back our country
The Rev. Raphael Warnock, U.S. Senator from Georgia, stands at a podium in front of a images of AFT members and a sign that says "Union Strong"
Warnock to Delegates: 'Keep the Faith'
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AFT’s convention is about fighting for a better life for all
Service, solidarity and community take center stage at 'The Miracle on Ninth Street'
Building rural power starts with listening—and organizing Labor and faith, sharing a table
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International union leaders show solidarity with the AFT
Four speakers are seated at a table. Clara Conover, Belle Boggs, and Rob Kilgore (left to right) look at Laureen LeFever (far right) as she speaks about mobilizing student voters on campus.
Mobilizing to fight for higher education
Panelists speak at the AFT Teachers divisional meeting.
K-12 divisional meeting: Professional development as a powerful union-builder
A member of AFT Public Employees speaks from behind a podium at the divisional meeting.
At AFT convention, public employees sound alarm on midterms, SNAP cuts
Two PSRP members of the Baltimore Teachers Union enjoy their divisional meeting.
PSRPs: One job should be enough
A group of people sit on a panel before a crowd.
AFT Retiree members are fighting for their rights
A woman holding a cell phone is speaking at a microphone while the audience listens.
Healthcare delegates urged to use the power of their collective voice
Randi Weingarten leads a panel of four scholars discussing challenges to our democracy.
Meeting the moment in unprecedented times
Two speakers sit on a stage, talking about organizing to protect academic freedom.
The practice of hope in higher education
The PSRP breakfast crowd loved the "Motown Diva," Lynn Marie Smith.
For breakfast, sharing the joy, unity and strength of PSRPs
Democracy Forward President Skye Perryman speaking to AFT public employees.
A report on legal battles against Trump’s authoritarianism
Speaker at podium with panel to his left
Education International fights the global teacher shortage
Defending democracy is crucial in our fight for a better life
A large group of people pose together for a photo at the Human Rights Luncheon.
Civil rights leaders fire up delegates to fight authoritarianism Honoree Lee Saunders thanks AFT President
Randi Weingarten for the Bayard Rustin Award.
Honoring two award recipients for their leadership and service
Debbie White, president of New Jersey’s Health Professionals and Allied Employees, speaks at a microphone during the collective bargaining session at the AFT’s national convention.
Wins demonstrate the power of collective bargaining and solidarity
Randi Weingarten, Tiffany Aliche and Aissa Canchola Bañez sit on stage having a discussion in front of an audience at the AFT convention.
AFT adds new resources to its Fight for Affordability campaign
AFT Michigan President Terrence Martin addresses delegates.
Friday afternoon kicks off with an upbeat session on organizing victories
On the podium, Dolores Huerta waves to convention attendees, flanked by AFT officers Evelyn DeJesus and Fedrick Ingram.
Dolores Huerta honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award
AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus hosts a panel on building people power.
Building people power for the battles ahead
James Davis speaks about higher education at the AFT convention.
Keeping higher education in focus in the 2026 midterms
AFT President Randi Weingarten and panelists discuss how to facilitate productive conversations across cultural divides onstage at the AFT’s convention.
Choosing humanity in divided times
Three panelists on stage discuss the work of the Parents Circle – Families Forum.
Parents Circle – Families Forum encourages people to listen with empathy
AFT leaders and high school students celebrate CTE.
CTE builds essential life skills
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson addressing AFT delegates.
Flight attendants president asks for help in tough campaign at Delta
Five PSRPs stand onstage with their fans bearing handwritten messages demanding safety on the job and healthcare.
PSRPs stand up for the respect and dignity they deserve
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore addresses the AFT convention from behind the podium.
From the shop floor to the Senate floor, union members belong in power
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AFT women’s rights leaders celebrate breaking boundaries
Re-elected officers Fedrick Ingram, Randi Weingarten and Evelyn DeJesus hold hands onstage
Top national officers re-elected, recommit to fighting for a better life for all
Anne Goldman stands at the podium with John Brady in the background.
AFT healthcare members celebrate the wins of the Code Red campaign
