Last June’s RTC election brought about change in our chapter and in our union. I think it’s positive change. The UFT’s position on Medicare Advantage and protecting traditional Medicare has shifted for the better. We have a new delegation of RTC representatives in the UFT Delegate Assembly. We’re listening to member voices and not shying away from lively debate. We’re keeping our members informed about ongoing health care issues and inviting a wide range of guests with a wide range of viewpoints to our chapter meetings.

We’ve started two new RTC committees — on health care and labor solidarity — to engage our chapter’s members in decision-making and labor action. And we are working to include all our members in the chapter’s decision-making process, such as a plan to introduce hybrid voting at membership meetings.

Throughout the change, we remain one union, united in working together and lifting up one another. Our priority remains, as always, helping one another. I love coming into the UFT building at 52 Broadway and working with the amazing people who run our UFT Welfare Fund Retiree Programs. I love engaging with our members. It’s wonderful to just chat with members, and it’s gratifying when I can help get answers to their questions and assist them with their problems. I’ve seen firsthand how the professional staff of the UFT’s many departments go the extra mile to help our members. I always knew this, but seeing it up close is really cool. It’s amazing how our colleagues in Retiree Programs, Retiree Social Services, the Pension Department and other departments jump in to help members with their expertise. I feel “union proud” when I pass an inquiry onto a UFT professional and quickly hear back, “Don’t worry, we’re on it. Our staff will be reaching out to the member today.”

The UFT is us. It’s people working together. We may have differences, but we all work together on the important stuff. We put members first, and we don’t let our differences get in the way of our similarities.

In recent months, the Nov. 5 general election has been a UFT priority. If Kamala Harris does not win this election, so many of the rights and benefits that we have fought for over the decades will be in jeopardy. Pernicious political projects put forth by union opponents, like Project 2025, seek to disempower us as union members, unravel our country’s safety nets and roll back decades of social progress.

But we have the power to help shape the outcome of this important election. There is strength in our union, and we know how to work together to amplify our voices and protect our interests. Attacks on labor unions and their members will never stop, but we are up for the challenge.

As we approach Election Day, the UFT phone banks are winding down and the door-knocking in Pennsylvania is wrapping up. There are a few precious days left to help elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. And while we’re at it, let’s flip the U.S. House of Representatives by voting for NYSUT’s endorsed candidates in the New York State congressional delegation.

Call your family and friends — make sure they get to the polls. Let’s cast our votes for union values.