DiBrango finds DNC event anything but remote

It wasn’t exactly the Democratic National Convention she expected, but NYSUT Executive Vice President Jolene DiBrango found her first time as a DNC delegate to be energizing and inspiring.

“Even though we’re so far apart, I’ve found it very unifying,” said DiBrango, one of about two dozen NYSUT members elected to be DNC delegates.

Instead of traveling to Milwaukee, Wis., DiBrango spent the four days of the virtual convention popping in and out of a series of online meetings — from the labor council to the women’s caucus to the New York State delegation breakfasts.

On the second night she attended an educator’s watch party with U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (the National Teacher of the Year from Connecticut).

“That was the night we heard from Dr. Jill Biden,” DiBrango said. “She is a true educator.

She’s one of us.”

Like many viewers, DiBrango was especially touched by the virtual roll call, which allowed each state delegation to showcase itself, key issues and the diversity of our nation.

“That was phenomenal,” she said. “One by one, that state-bystate roll call really made me feel connected to other Americans in a way we haven’t been able to connect during this pandemic. It was really powerful.”

DiBrango said with a who’s who of eloquent speakers throughout the program, the convention did an excellent job of introducing the Biden-Harris team to the nation and making a compelling case for their election.

“We need a president who will work to heal division in our country,” DiBrango said. “When it comes to public education, labor, and so much more, everything is at stake in this election.”