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NEA Posthumously Awards Teacher, Illinois Native With Its Highest Honor
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release on July 5, 2026:
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NEA posthumously awards teacher, Illinois native with its highest honor
Former Illinois Education Association President Al Llorens receives the NEA Friend of Education Award for his tireless dedication to defending public education.
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DENVER -- The National Education Association today posthumously awarded Al Llorens--former president of the Illinois Education Association and defender of public education--with its highest honor, the Friend of Education Award. The award was presented
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WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release on July 5, 2026:
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NEA posthumously awards teacher, Illinois native with its highest honor
Former Illinois Education Association President Al Llorens receives the NEA Friend of Education Award for his tireless dedication to defending public education.
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DENVER -- The National Education Association today posthumously awarded Al Llorens--former president of the Illinois Education Association and defender of public education--with its highest honor, the Friend of Education Award. The award was presentedin front of nearly 7,000 educators gathered in Denver, Colorado, during the 2026 NEA Representative Assembly (RA).
Llorens spent more than 30 years as a high school math teacher and head girls' track and cross-country coach at Thornridge High School. Prior to that, he taught fourth-grade phonics and middle school reading in Champaign, and worked as a math and science teacher in Kankakee and Chicago. A two-term member of NEA's Board of Directors, Llorens served as IEA secretary/treasurer and vice president before being elected IEA president in 2023, a position he held until his passing last September.
"I was fortunate to call Al not only a trusted and brilliant colleague, but also a very dear friend whose wisdom, encouragement and support meant so much to me," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "Al is the embodiment of NEA's core values, and his legacy will inspire leaders in classrooms across the country for generations to come."
Llorens' dedication to his colleagues and students was unparalleled. He was known for going out of his way to ensure his students had the resources they needed to succeed, even if it meant showing up early or staying late to work with students one-on-one. Once, when a student broke his leg and was out of school, Llorens visited him at his house, so that he didn't fall behind.
"Al was a tireless advocate for racial and social justice, always working to ensure that every student--no matter their background--had access to the opportunities they deserved," said Pringle. "His life's work pushed all of us to act with courage in the pursuit of fairness, equity, and opportunity for all students and teachers."
As president of the Illinois Education Association, Llorens was an unwavering fighter for students, educators, and strong public schools. He played a leading role in efforts to increase investment in public education and championed policies that ensured every Illinois student had access to a high-quality public school. Among his many accomplishments, Llorens helped lead the successful campaign to end Illinois' Invest in Kids private school voucher program, a significant victory for millions of students. His steadfast commitment to public education leaves a lasting legacy for students and educators alike.
The NEA Friend of Education Award is presented during NEA's annual convention and recognizes a person or organization whose leadership has significantly contributed to improving American public education. Llorens joins previous award recipients: Nobel-prize winners Malala Yousafzai and economist Paul Krugman; education policy writer and researcher Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond; leaders of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB); U.S. Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter, and William Jefferson Clinton; U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.); U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley; Sen. Edward Ted" Kennedy; and activists Judith Heumann, Greta Thunberg, Dolly Parton, and Quinta Brunson.
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at nea.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/nea-posthumously-awards-teacher-illinois-native-its-highest-honor
[Category: Union]
NEA Members Elect New Leaders to Champion Public Education Nationwide
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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NEA members elect new leaders to champion public education nationwide
Delegates elect national president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer at annual Representative Assembly
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Nearly 6,000 delegates representing educators from every state and territory have chosen new national officers to lead NEA, the nation's largest labor union, during the union's 105th Representative Assembly (RA).
Delegates elected Princess R. Moss, an elementary school music teacher from Louisa County, Virginia, as
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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NEA members elect new leaders to champion public education nationwide
Delegates elect national president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer at annual Representative Assembly
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Nearly 6,000 delegates representing educators from every state and territory have chosen new national officers to lead NEA, the nation's largest labor union, during the union's 105th Representative Assembly (RA).
Delegates elected Princess R. Moss, an elementary school music teacher from Louisa County, Virginia, aspresident; Noel Candelaria as vice president; and Robert Varela Rodriguez as secretary-treasurer through NEA's democratic election process, reflecting the collective voice of nearly 3 million educators and education support professionals across the country.
A longtime advocate for students, educators, and public schools, Moss previously served as NEA vice president and secretary-treasurer. She is a past president of the Virginia Education Association, where she helped advance collective bargaining rights and increase investment in public education. Nationally recognized for her leadership on public education, educator advocacy, and racial and social justice, Moss has served on numerous education and nonprofit boards and was appointed by two Virginia governors to statewide education leadership roles. She holds a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Mary Washington and a master's degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Virginia.
"It is an honor to serve as president of the National Education Association. I step into this role inspired by the dedication of the millions of educators who show up every day for their students and communities," said President-elect Princess Moss. "Together, we will continue fighting for the resources, respect, and professional voice educators deserve because when we invest in public education, we invest in the future of every student. I look forward to building on our union's proud legacy and working alongside our members to ensure every student, in every ZIP code, has access to a high-quality public education."
Vice President-Elect Candelaria, a special education teacher and former teacher's aide from El Paso, Texas, rose from the classroom in the Ysleta Independent School District to become secretary-treasurer of the National Education Association, the nation's largest professional organization. His path to national leadership included serving as president of the Ysleta Teachers Association, followed by three years as vice president and then president of the Texas State Teachers Association.
"I am honored and humbled to serve as Vice President of the National Education Association. Public education changed my life, and educators opened doors that transformed my future. Now it's our turn to ensure every student--regardless of their ZIP code, race, or background--has that same opportunity. Together, we will build the power to defend public education, advance racial and social justice, and ensure every educator has the respect, resources, and voice they deserve. Because when educators are empowered, students, families, and communities thrive."
Secretary-Treasurer-Elect Rodriguez is a special education teacher in California's San Bernardino City Unified School District with 17 years of experience teaching at the elementary and middle school levels. First elected to the NEA Executive Committee in 2018, he previously served on the NEA Board of Directors, Budget Committee, and the California Teachers Association Board of Directors. He has also been an active member of the NEA Hispanic Caucus and NEA-LGBTQ+ Caucus. Rodriguez holds a bachelor's degree in science and a master's degree in education from California State University, San Bernardino.
"Sound stewardship is an act of commitment to our members and our mission. I accept this responsibility with gratitude and resolve, dedicated to ensuring that every student--regardless of race, ZIP code, or economic status--has access to the excellent public education they deserve. The trust of this membership is a privilege I will honor every day I hold this office."
The newly elected officers will assume office on September 1 and will lead the union's work to strengthen public education, ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed, and champion the educators and education support professionals who make that possible every day.
This year's Representative Assembly brought together nearly 6,000 NEA members representing the full breadth of public education professionals, including classroom teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, school counselors, librarians, school nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, higher education faculty, retired educators, and aspiring educators. Delegates convened in Denver from July 3 to July 7 to shape the future direction of the union and public education.
As public education faces mounting challenges and unprecedented attacks, these leaders will take office with a shared commitment to defending the dignity of every student, supporting every educator, and ensuring that every child--regardless of race, background, ZIP code, or circumstance--has access to opportunity. Together, they will lead NEA members in building a stronger, more just future through the transformative power of public education.
The RA is the world's largest democratic body and the top decision-making body for NEA's nearly 3 million members. Every year, local unions elect and send thousands of delegates from around the U.S. to draft, debate, and adopt policies that set the course for the future of the NEA.
For more on President-Elect Princess Moss: https://www.veanea.org/princess-moss-wins-nea/
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/nea-members-elect-new-leaders-champion-public-education-nationwide
[Category: Union]
Middle School Special Education Teacher From Washington State Reelected to NEA Executive Committee
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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Middle school special education teacher from Washington state reelected to NEA Executive Committee
NEA Executive Committee member Shannon McCann's deep leadership experience and commitment to equality in education will continue to help NEA's mobilization efforts as communities are under attack
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DENVER--A dedicated Washington state teacher and union activist with experience at the local, state, and national level will serve another term on the Executive Committee of the National Education Association.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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Middle school special education teacher from Washington state reelected to NEA Executive Committee
NEA Executive Committee member Shannon McCann's deep leadership experience and commitment to equality in education will continue to help NEA's mobilization efforts as communities are under attack
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DENVER--A dedicated Washington state teacher and union activist with experience at the local, state, and national level will serve another term on the Executive Committee of the National Education Association.Shannon McCann, a middle school special education teacher from Seattle, Wash., was reelected by her union siblings at NEA's Representative Assembly (RA) to serve on the organization's influential and highest governing body.
A labor activist since her childhood, McCann has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of her fellow members. As president of the Federal Way Education Association, she organized transformational bargaining wins for local education support professionals. At the state level, she has served on the Board of Directors, Racial Justice Committee, Executive Committee and Budget Committee for the Washington Education Association (WEA). She has also chaired the WEA LGBTQ+ Caucus.
"Shannon McCann has been an instrumental member of our Executive Committee, and I know she will continue to be," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "As communities come under attack, NEA members are mobilizing because unions are made for moments like these. Shannon's deep organizing experience and unwavering commitment to racial and social justice will continue to help power our movement forward and protect the rights of every educator and student."
Prior to her election to the Executive Board, McCann had served on NEA's Strategic Plan and Budget Committee; Board of Directors; Safe, Just, and Equitable Schools Policy Statement Task Force; and the Racial Justice in Education Internal Language Stakeholder Group. She had also chaired both the NEA Legislative Committee and the Retired Conference Planning Committee.
"Thank you delegates for reelecting me to the NEA Executive Committee. I am humbled and honored. This work has never been about one person -- it's about the collective power of educators, ESPs, public service employees and communities standing together," said McCann. "I will continue to bring my experience in organizing, bargaining, and coalition building to this role, fighting for the pay, respect, and support every educator deserves and every student needs. I believe an inclusive union is a strong union, and that strong locals mean a strong state, a strong nation, and a strong democracy. Together, we will keep organizing, keep advocating, and keep building a public education system worthy of all our students."
Nearly 7,000 educators are in Denver, Colo., for the 169th Annual Meeting and 105th RA, the organization's top decision-making body, which sets association policy for the coming year. Delegates will complete an agenda, which includes adopting a budget, electing Executive Committee members, and addressing new business items.
For more information on NEA's Annual Meeting and RA, go to nea.org/ra.
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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at nea.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/middle-school-special-education-teacher-washington-state-reelected-nea-executive-committee
[Category: Union]
Teamsters Statement on Dairy Farmers of America's Anti-Competitive Behavior
WASHINGTON, July 6 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Teamsters Statement on Dairy Farmers of America's Anti-Competitive Behavior
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(WASHINGTON) - The following is a statement from Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, regarding the Dairy Farmers of America's (DFA) decision to shut down its St. Albans, Vt., processing plant, creamery, and supply store:
"Dairy Farmers of America is shutting down its St. Albans facility and eliminating good union jobs in what appears to be retaliation against members
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 6 [Category: Union] -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters posted the following news release:
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Teamsters Statement on Dairy Farmers of America's Anti-Competitive Behavior
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(WASHINGTON) - The following is a statement from Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, regarding the Dairy Farmers of America's (DFA) decision to shut down its St. Albans, Vt., processing plant, creamery, and supply store:
"Dairy Farmers of America is shutting down its St. Albans facility and eliminating good union jobs in what appears to be retaliation against membersof Teamsters Local 597, who were forced to strike last year after the company refused to negotiate a fair contract.
"This closure is not an isolated business decision. It is the result of a broader strategy by DFA to consolidate market share and power across the dairy industry by taking control of processing facilities, absorbing local cooperatives, locking down supply, and extending its reach into hauling and distribution. By controlling more of the path from the farm to the grocery store, DFA has narrowed the options available to farmers, weakened competition, and increased its leverage over workers and small towns across the country.
"When one company gains that kind of control over processing, transportation, and supply, it can dictate terms throughout the industry. This leads to fewer independent alternatives for local farmers, less competition, and cuts to union jobs in dairy communities like St. Albans.
"DFA has benefited from the Northeast's dairy economy while tightening its grip on the infrastructure that keeps that economy moving. Now it is walking away from St. Albans and forcing workers, their families, and the community to pay the price. This is not a side effect of market consolidation -it is a direct attack on good union jobs across the dairy industry.
"The Teamsters are closely reviewing DFA's actions and are prepared to pursue every available avenue to push back against its anti-competitive and anti-worker agendas. Companies that abuse their power at the expense of working people will be held accountable."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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Original text here: https://teamster.org/2026/07/teamsters-statement-on-dairy-farmers-of-americas-anti-competitive-behavior/
NFFE-IAM Members Converge on Capitol Hill to Advocate for Federal Workers at 2026 Legislative Conference
WASHINGTON, July 6 [Category: Union] -- The National Federation of Federal Employees issued the following news release:
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NFFE-IAM Members Converge on Capitol Hill to Advocate for Federal Workers at 2026 Legislative Conference
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At the 2026 IAM Union Legislative Conference, members of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) from across the country traveled to Washington, DC to speak with over 100 Congressional offices on critical issues facing the federal workforce.
NFFE-IAM members from several agencies attended this year's conference, which featured morning sessions
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 6 [Category: Union] -- The National Federation of Federal Employees issued the following news release:
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NFFE-IAM Members Converge on Capitol Hill to Advocate for Federal Workers at 2026 Legislative Conference
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At the 2026 IAM Union Legislative Conference, members of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) from across the country traveled to Washington, DC to speak with over 100 Congressional offices on critical issues facing the federal workforce.
NFFE-IAM members from several agencies attended this year's conference, which featured morning sessionswith speeches from members of Congress, while the afternoons were dedicated to meeting with individual Congressional offices.
All meetings included discussions on restoring collective bargaining rights for those affected by President Trump's executive order stripping union rights from one million federal workers. NFFE-IAM members urged Senators to pass the Protecting America's Workforce Act, a bill which would reverse the executive order that has already been passed in the House of Representatives. Other legislation that was lobbied for included issues like increasing federal worker pay, strengthening civil service protections, and ensuring adequate hiring at federal agencies.
For the U.S. Forest Service, NFFE-IAM members were featured in a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol alongside several lawmakers to demand Congress take action to stop the so-called "realignment" from dismantling the agency. USFS employees also advocated for many bills affecting wildland firefighters and legislation allowing time spent in temporary or seasonal roles to count toward retirement eligibility.
Watch Now: USFS Reorganization Press Conference
Department of Veterans Affairs employees lobbied for several bills, but especially the so-called Take Care of Veterans Act, a deceptively titled bill that would actually cut benefits for up to 1.5 million veterans and reduce future disability compensation by as much as $57 billion over the next decade, while eliminating collective bargaining rights for VA psychologists. NFFE National President Randy Erwin spoke at a press conference railing against the massive legislative package.
Watch Now: Take Care of America's Veterans Act Press Conference
NFFE-IAM members working at the Department of Defense advocated for an amendment in the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act which would restore collective bargaining rights for DoD employees. In addition, DoD workers lobbied for lawmakers to oppose workforce cuts and hiring freezes, block any new Base Realignment and Closures (BRACs), and to maintain the current ban on A-76 outsourcing.
"This was yet another increasingly successful legislative conference for NFFE-IAM members on Capitol Hill," said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. "In the past two years, the civil service has faced relentless, unprecedented attacks, but as a union we are fighting back, making significant progress, and growing our membership because of the determination of NFFE-IAM members. It is up to us to ensure lawmakers are held accountable and that Congress supports the workforce that keeps America running every single day. Thank you to everyone who traveled from near and far to make your voice heard and advance the agenda of federal workers."
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Original text here: https://www.nffe.org/nffe_news/nffe-iam-members-converge-on-capitol-hill-to-advocate-for-federal-workers-at-2026-legislative-conference/
IAM Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists Endorses Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller for Reelection
UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, July 6 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers issued the following news release:
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IAM Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists Endorses Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller for Reelection
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WASHINGTON, July 6, 2026- Today, the IAM Union's (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists announced its endorsement of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller for reelection, citing their record on growing the state's labor movement,
... Show Full Article
UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland, July 6 [Category: Union] -- The AFL-CIO International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers issued the following news release:
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IAM Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists Endorses Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller for Reelection
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WASHINGTON, July 6, 2026- Today, the IAM Union's (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists announced its endorsement of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller for reelection, citing their record on growing the state's labor movement,workplace protections, and collective bargaining rights for the thousands of IAM members who live and work across the state and the District.
"Gov. Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller have shown they understand that a strong Maryland economy starts with workers who can bargain for fair wages and safe jobs," said Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists President Rick Compher. "When Apple punished our members at IAM Local 4538 in Towson, Gov. Moore didn't stay silent. He spoke out about how our members deserved the same transfer rights as every other Apple employee. From IAM members at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River (PAX) to those keeping air travel moving at Baltimore's Thurgood Marshall International Airport to those working in the federal and defense sector across the region, IAM families have a stake in who leads this state. Gov. Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller have proven they support working families."
Moore and Miller's strong record of protecting workers' right to organize and ensuring they have a seat at the table was crucial to the decision to endorse. The Moore-Miller administration has given the IAM a seat at the table and a voice in the policies that shape our jobs and livelihoods, from collective bargaining rights to workplace safety standards. Moore has helped make this state better for workers.
The IAM Union represents thousands of workers across Maryland and the District of Columbia in the aerospace, shipbuilding, transportation, and federal sectors. The state council will engage IAM members, their families, and allies across the labor movement to mobilize support for Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
Share and Follow:
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Original text here: https://www.goiam.org/news/departments/hq/politics-and-legislation/iam-maryland-and-d-c-state-council-of-machinists-endorses-gov-wes-moore-and-lt-gov-aruna-miller-for-reelection/
NEA Recognizes Ten Exceptional Individuals and Organizations
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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NEA Recognizes Ten Exceptional Individuals and Organizations
2026 NEA Human and Civil Rights Award recipients speak out, show up, and refuse to leave anyone behind
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DENVER--Advancing educational equity, advocating for civil rights, and strengthening underserved communities are just a few of the accomplishments of this year's NEA Human and Civil Rights (HCR) Award recipients. Rooted in NEA's 1966 merger with the American Teachers Association (ATA), which represented Black teachers in segregated
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- The National Education Association issued the following news release:
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NEA Recognizes Ten Exceptional Individuals and Organizations
2026 NEA Human and Civil Rights Award recipients speak out, show up, and refuse to leave anyone behind
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DENVER--Advancing educational equity, advocating for civil rights, and strengthening underserved communities are just a few of the accomplishments of this year's NEA Human and Civil Rights (HCR) Award recipients. Rooted in NEA's 1966 merger with the American Teachers Association (ATA), which represented Black teachers in segregatedschools across the South, the annual event honors individuals and organizations that advance justice through education.
"From the classroom to the courtroom, from the cafeteria to the state capitol, this year's NEA Human and Civil Rights Award recipients embody what we know is true--that democracy cannot thrive without strong public education, and that justice cannot be achieved without meeting people's most basic needs: housing, food, and healthcare," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "They champion every student's right to belong, especially those too often pushed to the margins. Through their courage to educate, organize, litigate, and legislate, they remind us that justice is not an abstract ideal; it is built every day by people who show up, speak out, and refuse to leave anyone behind."
They are recognized by the National Education Association because of shared, invaluable qualities: refusal to accept injustice and an enduring ability to imagine the world difference, especially today as injustice abounds. They lift students, stand with and protect immigrants, and build stronger, more sustainable communities.
Educator Brian Whitecalf has a long history of combating disparities among people in his hometown of Grand Island, Neb., and empowering students to serve their communities. He once collaborated with students with disabilities to repurpose donated hotel soap bars for local veterans. The students attended the Indra House, a specialized public high school that teaches functional, independent living skills in a real home environment.
"After watching a video online, I thought about remaking the soap into larger bars, but I wanted [our work] to have purpose and creativity," said Whitecalf in The Good News series, published by the Nebraska Department of Education. The students learned the art and process of soapmaking before repurposing the small soap bars into larger, newly molded bars. They also gained a deeper understanding of how to identify and address the needs of specific members
in their community.
"The students did a fantastic job, and hopefully it will bring about a greater awareness that we can share, help, and care about each other, along with being wise stewards of our resources," Whitecalf said. Today, Whitecalf is a community liaison at Grand Island Senior High and operates the school's Archipelago pantry, which takes in donations and collects food, clothing, and hygiene items for students who need them. His work helps ensure that students and their families have reliable access to meals and essential supports.
Tribute video here (https://youtu.be/i7Bs8hTFJN8).
Standing with immigrants
When the U.S. Department of Homeland Security led a large-scale federal immigration raid that swept through the Twin Cities in December 2025, Education Minnesota did what it has always done: It stood up for their students and families. Tribute video here (https://youtu.be/etyD6VCOOYg).
Deep community ties allowed Education Minnesota and its locals to move swiftly into action--organizing safety patrols around schools and ensuring that students could travel safely when families feared sending them into harm's way. They provided transportation, food, and clothing to families whose ability to work and take care of their loved ones was suddenly at risk. Their unwavering commitment to racial and social justice has helped build safer and more welcoming communities.
Building stronger communities
NEA also honored the following allies and partners with HCR Awards for their impactful leadership and dedication to advancing justice, equity, and opportunity:
The Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) is a nonprofit organization serving Nebraska and southwest Iowa that provides comprehensive legal, resettlement, and social services to immigrants and refugees. On June 10, 2025, the Glenn Valley Foods processing plant, in Omaha, Neb., was ambushed by a large-scale, early-morning raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Seventy workers were detained without due process. Standing with them was a team of CIRA staff, who ensured no one was subject to inhumane treatment while in custody. Tribute video here (https://youtu.be/9JpP0-5id5I).
O'nae Chatman is a Mississippi-based author and motivational speaker who, through his educational consulting company, partners with public school districts, universities, churches, and community organizations nationwide to teach young people life skills that support academic success. His mentoring program focuses on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship-building skills, and responsible decision-making, along with other competencies. Tribute video here (https://youtu.be/0i3Z_pv3wa0).
The Fairness Campaign led the effort to pass a historic Fairness Ordinance in Louisville, Ky., 25 years ago. As the first law in the state to ban discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, it paved the way for others to follow. A few months later, Lexington also passed a Fairness Ordinance. Today, 24 cities and towns across the state have enacted LGBTQ+ discrimination protections, covering nearly a third of Kentucky's population. Tribute video here (https://youtu.be/F4Uf01luW-c).
Girls Inc., based in New York, is a nonprofit that drives change for girls across the country. Through its mentoring and educational programs, the organization promotes leadership skills and empowers girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Key areas of work include addressing trauma and toxic stress, mental health, bullying prevention, healthy relationships, financial literacy, civic engagement, and supporting young people after a tragedy. Girls Inc. equips girls with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed. Tribute video here (https://youtu.be/i5J5uLLEuWw).
Hope-Esperanza has helped marginalized communities in Lincoln County, Nebraska, access essential services and build self-sustaining families since 2021. The organization's innovative programs include a weekly food distribution initiative for families facing language barriers and a community health fair offering vaccinations, physicals, free gym equipment, and mental health sessions. Tribute video here (https://youtu.be/qMtZeJBG3ks).
Emanuel "Dupree" Jackson Jr. is a community activist, mentor, and founder of an organization he named after his father, the Emanuel Jackson Sr. (EJS) Project. Based in Florida, EJS provides a forum for young people to engage in honest conversations about issues affecting their personal growth, while emphasizing the importance of history, current events, and civic engagement. EJS has supported some 5,000 Palm Beach County teens with academic tutoring, mental health workshops, and career preparation. Tribute video here (https://youtu.be/Y0e7LLJS4V8).
The Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition provides Native communities in the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas with access to quality healthcare that reflects their physical, mental, and cultural needs. The clinics address the ongoing suicide crisis by creating safe spaces where Native young people can process past and present trauma and find support to heal and move forward. Tribute video here (https://youtu.be/YB12-fIu7gc).
Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy and Services, or VIDAS, in Santa Rosa, Calif., provides trauma-informed, low-cost, or free immigration legal representation, community education, and deportation defense for vulnerable and low-income immigrant communities. VIDAS works to prevent unconstitutional immigration enforcement practices and protect immigrant rights. Tribute video here (https://youtu.be/EPZqmcrHB6Q).
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Original text here: https://www.nea.org/about-nea/media-center/press-releases/nea-recognizes-ten-exceptional-individuals-and-organizations
[Category: Union]
