Aug 21, 2026

NATCA's 2026 Boots on the Ground Campaign has officially kicked off. Members have now started their full-time leadership roles as part of the AFL-CIO's Member-to-Member program.

The campaign officially started in July when volunteers attended one of two boot camps hosted by the AFL-CIO. Half the volunteers attended the four-day camp in Phoenix, while the other half attended the camp in Cleveland. The training provided a strong foundation for navigating the upcoming election cycle, covering topics such as the 2026 political landscape, volunteer recruitment, voter outreach, and election protection.

Craig Smith (Indianapolis Center, ZID retired) is a returning participant to the Boots on the Ground program, attending the training each year since 2010. "This was the best training I have ever attended that was put on by the AFL-CIO, and I have attended many," said Smith. "It was especially valuable for those who do not have much knowledge of the AFL-CIO program. NATCA was well represented."

These boot camps equipped participants with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to effectively engage members and help ensure a successful 2026 election cycle.