ICU nurse Randi Schiavi, a first-time delegate, speaks in favor of the resolution "Responding To Healthcare Workers Moral Injury, Mental Health And Well-Being Needs" at the AFT convention in Houston July 24, 2024:
Randi reflects on her first AFT convention
Being able to participate in AFT’s national convention is both daunting and empowering. It is one of the few avenues I’ve participated in that feels meaningful; this event allowed me to raise awareness to issues faced by my profession in an arena where the bottom line matters far less than the quality of a person’s life.
I found solidarity in my belief that every worker has the right to earn a living wage, and live a balanced, quality life. There was overwhelming support for the changes needed in health care; the need for affordable, accessible, quality health care for every single person. In turn, I was given the opportunity to learn more about the issues faced by our teachers and paraprofessionals, and support them in their fights for change.
Unsurprisingly, our challenges are more alike than they are different, and the goals we hope to achieve are similar. Every individual I spoke with, regardless their profession, level of experience or position in the union, was there to share their hope, their vision for a brighter future. This cast a very bright light, indeed.
As a first-time delegate, it felt intimidating to weigh in when there are so many there with so much to offer. But the union is a community that embraces the courageous, and makes room for the new. Individuals and locals alike were quick to offer words of encouragement, bridge knowledge gaps and mentor as newcomers involved themselves and learned the process of elevating and advocating for the causes in our communities. My lack of knowledge was never treated as an inconvenience, and my experience was no less valuable because it paled in comparison to another’s. The message was clear: here, you have a voice, use it, and we will listen.
There was a hopefulness that was pervasive when resolutions are brought to the union body, and put to a vote, and when people spoke in support of meaningful change or told their success stories. While there were often differing viewpoints on controversial issues, the discourse was engaging and impassioned, never hopeless.
The experience of those sharing reminded you to consider different perspectives before deciding where you stand. It is easy in the day-to-day to become insulated and see only what is happening in our immediate environment, or the challenges we personally face.
Participating in the union on a grander scale can break you out of that rut and renew of your faith that things are improving, however incrementally, and that with the backing of a union 1.8 million strong, we can shape the world around us, and change the lives of individuals.
I hope that if someone has the desire to see change happen, or make a difference, that they take opportunities to participate in our union at any level, and in any capacity. When you’re in a union, you’re not alone with your voice. You are being echoed by dozens, hundreds, thousands and millions. You become difficult to ignore and bully. Unions are the allyship we all need, and is the vehicle for change with a seat for everyone.