New Initiatives Launched in October 2011

This week at the William W. Winpisinger Center training for Community Services Committees is taking place and new programs for Community Services Committees are being announced.  We are urging Community Services Committees to add two new services:  Reaching Out to Unemployed Members and Adopt A Military Family in their respective communities.

The first new program, Reaching Out to Unemployed Members, is recognition that many of our Brothers and Sisters have been adversely affected by the current economic situation.  Through no fault of their own, many have lost jobs that they and their families depend on.  We are asking Community Services Committees to be inventive by responding in any way possible to assist those laid off families.

The second new program being launched urges Community Services Committees to Adopt a Military Family.  Many military families have suffered by having family members serve multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.  In fact, many of our Service Men and Women have been in “harms way” for periods not seen since WW II.  Their families are hurting.  Therefore, we are asking Community Services Committees to consider extending a helping hand in that direction as well. Doing simple things like performing home or auto repairs – perhaps even being there during the Holidays would be some things we could do for them.  Again, the creativity of finding ways to help is a trait our Community Services Committees possess in great abundance.

This week training also focused on traditional Community Services that our Local Lodges render to their communities.  From lending a helping hand to the elderly, being there for the less fortunate or stepping up to the plate when disasters hit – make your Local Lodge Community Services Committee something to be proud of.

To see a larger picture of this week's participants, click the read more button . . .

Community Services Classes

In 2009, a group of brothers and sisters gathered at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center (W3) to collaborate regarding community service and unemployment issues.  Using their expertise, a curriculum was developed to share with our membership.

Classes for 2012 will be held from February 12-17 and again from December 16-21.  Click on the following links for more information:

Call Letter

Info & Instructions

Registration Form

French

Sample Agenda

 

Click on read more below to see a picture and a video of last year's participants . . .

Disaster Relief

Some IAM/TCU members have been the unfortunate victims of natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, wild fires, massive flooding, severe drought and/or earthquakes.  So far this year, the Community Services Department has distributed disaster relief funds to more than 33 members.  The funds have been generously donated by members to help their Brothers and Sisters in need.  For pictures and more information click here and here then the read more button . . .

Lodge Community Services Committees: Making The World A Better Place For Everyone!

Click on the read more button below and the attached PDF to see all the proactive steps our lodges and members are taking . . .

Machinists Supporting Veterans for Easter

The Machinists' Union donated 90 Machinists hats for Easter care packages which will be given to recovering soldiers at the Mologne House, Walter Reed Hospital.  Milton McGehee, a Korean War Veteran, tirelessly prepares these gifts for our brave men and women every Christmas and Easter, and the Machinists' Union is proud to partner with him in this effort to show our support for all their sacrifices.  To see pictures, click on the read more link below . . .

Bloodmobile

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union, through the Local Lodge 764 Community Services Committee, hosted the first Canadian Blood Services Bloodmobile on Tuesday, January 11, 2011.  Since each blood donation can touch the lives of three recipients, collectively 117 hospital patients were impacted by giving blood as a team. The Bloodmobile will be returning June 23 & August 18, 2011.

The Machinists Union Helps Veterans at Walter Reed Hospital

During the month of November the Retirees, Community and Membership Services Department coordinated a collection effort at the Machinists' Grand Lodge of items to be given to recuperating soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital.  

September 23, 2010: An Important Day for Women’s Health

On September 23, the sixth-month anniversary of the Affordable Health Care Act, several parts of the new health care law important to women took affect.  For more information, click on the read more link below:

Time to Improve the State of Our Union

Time to Improve the State of “OUR” Union, an op-ed by Maria Cordone, retired Director of the Retirees and Community Services Department