First Book: tools for new employee outreach

A First Book event is a great opportunity to engage new employees in the work of our union. Since the AFT-First Book partnership began in 2011, AFT members all across the country have helped to provide more than 4 million high-quality and diverse books as well as backpacks, school supplies and even winter coats — essentials to make sure all kids can attend and succeed in school.

Affiliates in every AFT division have embraced the partnership as a strategy to activate  current members as well as attract new ones, foster relationships with community organizations and strengthen ties with families.  More than 250 AFT affiliates have organized and held First Book events in their communities.

Download and print these materials for distribution at your next new employee orientation:

• 10 Ways to Engage the Community document — Ideas to engage members, community partners and projects range from small to larger scale projects.
• 2016 back to school brochure — Overview document that people can print themselves or order from AFT to give members a sense of the partnership as well as examples of books, school supplies and other items on the First Book Marketplace
• Co-branded First Book Marketplace flyer

To get a First Book member engagement event organized for your local union in your community contact:

AFT-First Book Partnership Manager — Tom Moran, tmoran@aft.org

AFT-First Book Partnership Staff — Leslie Getzinger lgetzing@aft.org

To learn more about how First Book is working around the country, check out these videos:

1. First Books' One Millionth Book

On December 4th, 2013 AFT and First Book gave out the millionth book to a child in Baltimore, MD. Since the partnership began in 2011, AFT locals and First Book have given out books in 200+ locals to students, families and communities in need. At this time, we have distributed more than 4 million books as well as backpacks, school supplies and even winter coats to help all kids attend school and succeed.

2. AFT and First Book Bring Books to Families and Children (Spanish video with English Subtitles)

AFT and First Book are committed to bringing diverse books so that kids can see themselves, their cultures and life experiences in the books they read.

3. Detroit Book Giveway

On Oct 24, 2015, the Coalition of Detroit Public School Unions came together at the AFSCME Council 25 building to bring more than 40,000 free books to create home and classroom libraries for Detroit students. More than 300 families, as well as the educators, school staff and members of the participating unions, chose books to help instill a love of reading and learning.