As the United States celebrates its 250th year and summer transitions to fall, it’s important to move past the patriotic lawn signs and dazzling firework displays and truly reflect on the values and core principles upon which our country was founded. One of the lesser-quoted ideals listed within the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence is to “promote the general Welfare” for the people of the United States. In 2026, when America’s income inequality index is the highest of any developed nation, we must ask ourselves if America is achieving general welfare for all.
Rising gas prices, housing shortages and general price inflation all contribute to this staggering inequality. The Trump administration has made matters worse by moving to dismantle crucial federal departments and built-in safety nets for those in need. This flurry of assaults makes work, and life, harder for educators, their students and their families. Many are left to wonder: What can I do to fix this broken system and secure a future for myself and those I care about?
Two words: collective power.
Unions have long been on the frontlines of fighting for the general welfare of all people. Driven by members, they are a highly democratic stabilizing force that stands up to authority figures who attempt to unfairly manipulate the levers of society. By empowering members and the communities they serve, NJEA has been fighting for its members’ well-being since its founding. We’ve been standing together, across generations, for 173 years to expand access to health, wealth, education, representation and dignity for our members and our schools.
Whether it be bargaining for fair contracts, safe working conditions, reliable pensions, codified evaluation procedures, affordable healthcare or myriad other issues, NJEA has fought for educators and ESPs to live, work and retire feeling valued, cared for and respected. Beyond contracts, NJEA has leveraged the collective strength of unionization to bring its members financial counseling, discounted auto insurance, home buying guidance, college scholarships, childcare discounts, life insurance and numerous other member benefits. At every juncture where the ground felt shaky, tilted or just plain unfair, NJEA has stepped in and stepped up to secure its members’ futures.
It’s crucial to remember that none of these hard-won victories were the result of a single heroic act. They are the results of thousands of members making thousands of acts of solidarity. And you are part of that history of collective action. Whether it be taking on a more active role in your local association, helping members or neighbors register to vote, participating in lobby days or speaking up at a board of education meeting, your actions are part of our collective power. Each act drives the wheel of progress forward and your ideas, concerns, solutions and goals are needed and welcomed within the union family.
Although inequality and inflation may remain high, so too, will the energy and force of our union. We will continue leveraging our collective power to ensure the well-being of our members, their families and their students. We will stand sure in our ability to achieve progress, even as we acknowledge the work to be done. And we will fight for a country guided by democracy, not dividends. That is true patriotism.