Vision for AEA

Welcome to the heart of the campaign where I share my vision for AEA’s future. Grounded in Organizing for power, leading with justice, and building strength through solidarity, this vision reflects our collective potential to grow stronger, more inclusive, and more effective as a union.

Josh visiting the Tucson area to share his vision for AEA!

Amber's Vision
My vision for our union is centered around three core areas. Organizing for power, leading with justice, and building strength through solidarity. I know that this vision, in tandem with AEA President Garcia's vision and strategy, can move us forward with urgency and power. Here's what that vision looks like:

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Organizing for Power

Organize in every corner of Arizona! Urban, suburban, rural and everything in between.
Build site-based structures that activate members and grow local capacity.
Coordinate across locals to take on statewide challenges with shared purpose.
Shift the power dynamics in public education through bold, strategic campaigns.

Leading with Justice

Embed equity and inclusion into every layer of our union’s work. All decisions should be done through a racial, social, and economic justice lens.
Prioritize the needs and perspectives of those most impacted by injustice.
Confront harmful narratives and policies that target educators.
Protect public schools as the foundation of a just, democratic society.

Build Strength through Solidarity

Grow our union by investing in people, not just programs.
Create a culture where showing up for each other is the norm.
Mobilize collectively in moments of crisis and opportunity.
Channel our unity into lasting power that shapes policy, protects our profession, and uplifts all members.

Josh's Vision
My vision for AEA is grounded in the core values that have guided me since childhood—creativity, collaboration, and compassion—and shaped by a lifetime spent in and around the labor movement. From walking picket lines as a nine-year-old during my dad’s 100-day strike with the Machinists of Local 837, to serving on AEA’s Finance & Revenue and Audit Committees, I’ve seen firsthand what unions can accomplish when we align our values, our leadership, and our resources toward a common goal.

As AEA Treasurer, I will...

Ensure responsible, transparent stewardship of your dues dollars bymaking sure every dollar serves a purpose and supports members directly.
Build budgets that reflect our priorities by investing in leadership development, organizing capacity, and the resources locals need to grow.
Foster collaboration across all corners of AEA from aspiring educators to retirees, ESPs to certified staff, because we are stronger when we work together.
Stand in solidarity with every member, in every fight, not just in moments of crisis, but in the day-to-day work that keeps our union thriving.

I’ve seen how unions sustain people, not just through pay raises and protections, but through meals delivered during hard times, rides given, needs met, and dignity preserved. That’s the kind of union I believe in and the vision I see for AEA moving forward.