LOIS SAMSEL-CRONK
“Count Me In!” was the theme for this year’s AFT convention in Boston. It was an event that spotlighted the contributions of individual union activists, who are very passionate in their convictions.Delegates reacted with tears and warm applause Friday afternoon as Katrina, Rita and Wilma survivors told their personal stories of how they were affected by the storm.

Senator Edward Kennedy made it evident, Friday afternoon that he is with the AFT’s fight for America. He promised to continue his fight for a minimum wage that doesn’t leave Americans living in poverty, decent healthcare, and better schools.

The AFT will continue to demand that the Chinese government “extend to all Chinese citizens their basic human rights under a  new resolution delegates adopted. Another resolution that was approved puts the union in opposition to the war in Iraq and urges the AFT to call on national leaders “to withdraw all troops, bases and military operations in a rapid and timely manner.”

This was the first time I attended an AFT convention and I found it a politically moving experience. Many times throughout the convention I was reminded that a union is only as strong as its members. It was a privilege to represent the MTA.