Social Justice: Strengthening Our Union, Empowering Our Communities
At NYSUT, social justice is not separate from union work—it’s at the heart of it. Our members know that protecting public education, defending workers’ rights, and strengthening our communities are all part of the same fight for fairness and opportunity.
Every day, educators and school professionals see the challenges students and families face. We also see the incredible power that comes when people work together to solve those challenges. NYSUT’s Social Justice work is about bringing members together to learn, lead, and take action—so that every student, every educator, and every community has the chance to thrive.
Together, we are building stronger schools, stronger unions, and stronger communities across New York.
Who We Are
The NYSUT Social Justice program is a community of educators, school professionals, union leaders, and partners who believe in the power of collective action. Our members come from every region of New York and represent the diversity of the communities we serve.
We bring people together to learn from one another, build leadership, and create meaningful change in our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Whether members are new to social justice work or have been leading it for years, this program provides space to grow, connect, and make an impact.
At its core, our work is about empowering members to lead—because the people closest to the challenges in our schools are also closest to the solutions.
What We Do
NYSUT’s Social Justice program helps members turn their values into action. Through education, organizing, and collaboration, we provide opportunities for members to deepen their understanding, strengthen their leadership, and advocate for policies that benefit students, educators, and communities.
Our work includes:
- Professional learning and workshops that help educators build inclusive and welcoming classrooms and workplaces
- Leadership development opportunities that support members as they step into leadership roles within their union and communities
- Conferences and regional gatherings that bring members together to share ideas, build solidarity, and learn from one another
- Community partnerships that connect educators with organizations working to improve the lives of students and families
- Grassroots organizing that mobilizes members to stand up for public education, workers’ rights, and opportunity for all
Through this work, members are not just responding to challenges—they are building a stronger, more inclusive future for public education.
Why We Do It
Educators understand that learning doesn’t happen in isolation. Students thrive when they feel safe, respected, and supported—and when their communities are strong.
But too often, inequities in our society create barriers that make it harder for students and families to succeed. That’s why members of NYSUT believe our responsibility goes beyond the classroom. When we advocate for fairness, opportunity, and dignity for all people, we strengthen public education and the communities that depend on it.
Social justice work helps our union grow stronger by building solidarity, expanding leadership, and ensuring every member has a voice. When we stand together for justice, we not only support our students—we strengthen our profession and our union.
How We Do It
NYSUT members bring social justice to life through programs, trainings, partnerships, and events that educate, empower, and connect members across the state.
Some of the ways we do this work include:
- Sticks and Stones Workshops – Interactive trainings that help members explore implicit bias, challenge hate and discrimination, and build safer and more inclusive school communities.
- NYSUT Members of Color Affinity Caucus (MoCAA) – A space for members of color to connect, share experiences, and strengthen leadership within the union.
- BIPOC Pathways to Leadership – A leadership development initiative designed to support and prepare the next generation of union leaders from Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.
- Social Justice Academy – A learning and leadership experience that equips members with the tools and knowledge to organize and advocate for equity and justice.
- Truth Talks – Conversations that raise awareness of often overlooked histories and experiences, helping members deepen their understanding and connection to one another.
- First Book Partnership – Providing educators with access to books and educational resources for students in under-resourced communities.
- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Participation – Supporting members and communities by participating in events that raise awareness and resources for important causes.
Together, these efforts help build a union culture that values inclusion, leadership, and solidarity. They ensure that NYSUT members are not only advocating for change—but leading it.
NYSUT's Social Justice Initiatives
Many Threads, One Fabric – Celebrating Diversity
- Hispanic Heritage Month - NYSUT celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with an annual poster and a variety of programming to highlight the contributions of Hispanic individuals.
- Black History Month - NYSUT celebrates Black History Month with an annual poster and a variety of programming to highlight the contributions of Black individuals.
- Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month - NYSUT celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month with an annual poster and a variety of programming to highlight the contributions of Asian American Pacific Islander individuals.
- Native American Heritage Month - NYSUT celebrates Native American Heritage Month with an annual poster and a variety of programming to highlight the contributions of Native American individuals.
Civil and Human Rights Committee - NYSUT's Standing Committee on Civil and Human Rights advances the union’s efforts to promote equity and social justice.
Women's Committee - the NYSUT Women’s Committee encourages locals to develop in-house women’s committee chapters; educates female members about the work of the union; highlights women-specific issues, including inequities in pay, health care and education; and seeks to involve more union women in leadership roles.
LGBTQ Committee - NYSUT's LGBTQ Committee educates peers and advocates for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning/Queer members.
What you can do
Remember, social justice begins with you.
- Educate yourself and others about the issues. It's hard to fix a problem if you don't know it exists.
- Use the resources provided to engage your local or retiree council members, students and individuals in your community.
- Make a pledge to host one or more social justice actions, events or activities, and ask others to do the same.
- Forward us your ideas for future actions and activities.
- Send us your lesson plan ideas so we can share them with others.
- Take pictures of, and let us know about, any social justice events your members, students or community participate in. Let's make social justice matter all year round!
Because when educators come together with purpose and compassion, we can create schools and communities where everyone belongs and everyone has the opportunity to succeed!