In the face of unprecedented attacks by anti-worker lawmakers and billionaires, AFSCME launched its Get Organized campaign in 2025. Since then, it has been a major force in fighting back against attempts to rob working people of their power, enrich billionaires, and cut critical programs working families depend on.
Chearice Vaughn, a member of District Council 20 in Washington, D.C., who works for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, explained how AFSCME members fought back against the administration’s illegal attempts to fire federal workers.
“We signed up new members. We grew our union strength. We went to court and won — more than once,” said Vaughn. “Because of our fight, we saved hundreds of essential jobs in the civil service. Including mine.”
AFSCME Retirees have also been instrumental in the Get Organized campaign.
Jeanne Weaver, a member of Pennsylvania Retiree Chapter 13, helped fight back when Elon Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) tried to access Americans’ sensitive Social Security data.
“We filed lawsuits. We demanded investigations. And we helped expose the truth: DOGE gave away our Social Security data to extremist groups — groups that want to target working people, silence us and undermine our elections,” said Weaver.
Sabrina Bishop, a home care provider and member of UDW from California, fought back when the administration cut Medicaid, a move that threatens her clients’ health care and the time she could spend caring for them.
“When the White House started coming after my overtime pay … I had to do something,” said Bishop. “We went [to Sacramento] with other home care providers and patients from across California. And together, we won state protections that defended our overtime pay from the administration’s attacks.”
When anti-worker politicians threatened the retirements of many New York public service workers, District Council 37 member Donald Nesbit and his fellow AFSCME members stood up.
“Together with members from CSEA, Council 66 and Council 82, we filled buses to Albany. The capitol turned green with AFSCME New York members. … We didn’t let up until we finally won. This year, the governor signed a law improving the retirement system,” said Nesbit.
In Los Angeles, District Council 36 member Jerald White, a civilian employee for the L.A. Police Department, shared how AFSCME members in the city served during wildfires that ravaged his state but still faced layoffs.
“We got organized,” said White. “We joined with other unions and labor allies across the city. We started packing city council meetings and lifting up our work.”
In the end, not a single AFSCME member in L.A. lost their job.
Stephanie Teachman, a member of CSEA in New York, emphasized how important it is for AFSCME members to elect pro-worker lawmakers.
“Anti-worker politicians aren’t listening to us. They’re listening to billionaires who’ve never even heard of my hometown,” said Teachman. “This is why I became a PAL — a Political Action Liaison. PALs are trained union members who make sure working people are heard every single day policies are being made, whether it’s in Albany or D.C.”
And Daniel Andreason, a member of WFSE in Washington state, is fighting to ensure the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes.
“We sent letters to legislators, rallied at the state capitol, and kept up the pressure. This year, the governor signed legislation making the ultra-wealthy finally pay what they owe,” said Andreason.
All the delegates vowed to continue to “Get Organized.”
