Dear John,

It’s going to be a great night at the Democratic National Convention, and it’s an honor that National Education Association President Becky Pringle and I have been asked to speak on the same day that Vice President Kamala Harris accepts her nomination.

Yes, our fate, our freedoms and our future are on the line this November—that’s what this election is about. And as we organize through Election Day, we must remember that this is about the future we want and are willing to fight for.

The promise of America, for workers, for families and for democracy, should not be taken for granted, and that’s why having education and labor leaders speak today is so important. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz prioritize education and economic opportunity for our students and working families.

I will be speaking at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago today, Aug. 22, at 5:45 p.m. CDT/ 6:45 p.m. EDT. You can stream it here.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have a vision for the American people, and both have a record of delivering on policies that advance our nation. A Harris-Walz future will address what families need, from housing to education to healthcare. They will fight for a brighter future for all.

In contrast, Donald Trump and JD Vance have a vision of the future that rigs the economy for the ultra-rich, squashes reproductive freedoms, squeezes young people trying to advance and leaves our seniors vulnerable by slashing the programs they depend on.

Progress is possible but not guaranteed. Elections matter, and this November will be a defining moment as we set a path forward for an America where everyone can not just get by but truly thrive.

Click here to watch my speech at 5:45 p.m. CDT/ 6:45 p.m. EDT.

As educators, healthcare professionals, public employees and advocates, we know what it means to support the next generation. Trump and Vance want to take us backward, but as Kamala Harris says, “We’re not going back!”

I hope you can join today’s livestream and that you stay engaged with the joy, hope and unity the Harris-Walz ticket is building across the nation.

Watch on demconvention.com/watch at 5:45 p.m. CDT/ 6:45 p.m. EDT.

In unity,
Randi Weingarten
AFT President

P.S. To learn more about how you can get involved with the AFT during this election, visit AFTvotes.org.