The Human Rights and Community Relations Department of the AFT monitors trends, publications, laws and federal regulations in the areas of civil and human rights. The department provides research, and development support to the AFT executive committees on civil and human rights and women’s rights; assists local and state federations in the development, implementation and maintenance of state and local affiliates on civil, human, and women’s rights issues; develops and maintains a network with community based organizations, national civil rights and women’s rights groups, interfaith organizations, and the AFL-CIO and its affiliates to ensure the AFT’s priorities are disseminated.