As we enter the 2026–27 school year, NYSUT members from across New York have been working together to ensure their students have all the tools they need for success.
In Buffalo, educators worked alongside NYSUT’s Social Justice Department, the Buffalo Common Council, the Buffalo Central Labor Council, legislators and several unions and nonprofits to organize a back-to-school backpack giveaway. The event was held on Aug. 29 at East High School and offered an array of activities for children and their families, including a barbeque, haircuts and a voter registration drive.
An estimated 1,500 backpacks were donated, each stuffed with school supplies. Other items available included shoes to help students feel good on the first day and books to help encourage young learners to love reading.
“One thing we want to do is make sure kids feel confident coming into school with the materials they need to succeed,” said Lashonda Bradberry, a member of the Cheektowaga Central Teachers Association. “Everybody knows that when you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you’re ready to learn.”
The celebration also featured a union-led job fair to encourage members of the community to apply for building trade apprenticeship programs and for jobs in healthcare, government, service work and other industries.
“When unions work together, we stick together, we get things done, and that’s what I saw today,” said Bradberry.
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