NAACP Convenes 101st Convention

The National Association for the Advancment of Colored People convened their 101st convention on July 11, 2010, in Kansas City, Missouri.  A highlight of the convention so far occured on Monday, when First Lady Michelle Obama addressed the delegates.  She addressed the crisis of childhood obesity and taking steps to raising a healthier generation of children.

In addition, the assembled delegates voted to pass a resolution which denounces the racist elements within the Tea Party.  For additional highlights and convention video, visit their website. 

2010 Elections -- Too Important to Forget

With all the political unrest circling Capitol Hill and the legislative Arena, it is just as important for working families to act now as it was in 2008.  We need to make sure our elected officials continue to hear our voice call out for what is important to get our economy and our country back on track:  JOBS!

 

Now is not the time to sit idly by because it’s not a presidential election.  Many states have primary elections for Congressional and Gubernatorial seats.  Do you know if your state is one of them?

Click for a list of states with 2010 Primary Elections

Click to look up your elected representatives

Click for information on how to register to vote

APALA to Host Women's Organizing Institute

The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO and the Orange County Labor Federation are proud to host the first APALA Women's Organizing Institute from August 6-8, 2010 in Orange, California. Asian Pacific Americans represent the fastest growing segment of the unionized workforce, with Asian Pacific American women comprising half of all Asian Pacific American union members. However, there are very few opportunities for Asian Pacific Americans, and Asian Pacific American women in particular, to become union organizers.

Established in 1992, this intensive training has been the single most effective program to train the next generation of Asian Pacific American union organizers. The training is unique because it creates a support system for Asian Pacific American union members, workers and college students, and provides participants with the tools to become more effective organizers. Additionally, one of the strengths of the APALA Organizing Institute is that participants will learn from some of the most seasoned Asian Pacific American women union leaders from around the country.

Logistics
What: APALA Women's Organizing Institute
When: August 6-8, 2010
Where: Orange County, California

How to Apply
Participants are encouraged to apply on-line ( http://www.apalanet.org/ht/display/DoSurvey/i/85852 )by clicking on the following link ( http://www.apalanet.org/ht/display/DoSurvey/i/85852 ). Financial scholarships will be available to participants based on need.

Pressures of Joblessness

In the June 16, 2010 online version of The Huffington Post, IAM Communications Director Rick Sloan writes a blog in which he examines the devastating impact of unemployment in the home.  Read the article.

Rick Sloan is also Acting Director of the Ucubed -- Ur Union of the Unemployed.

IAM Sister Kim Hollis to Teach at Summer School for Women

Kim Hollis, LL 2339H Women's Committee Chairperson and President of her local National Council of Negro Women Chapter, has been selected to teach at the United Association of Labor Education Labor Summer School for Women at Penn State.  
 
She will be representing the IAM&AW, a first for the summer program. "I am both honored and excited about this awesome opportunity," said Sister Hollis.  She was also asked to recommend a heroine that has made a significant difference in the lives of women. Without hesitation, she chose Dr. Dorothy Height, calling Dr. Height, "My mentor and friend."  Once Dr. Height was nominated, it was voted unanimously to have her featured on history night at the summer school program.  In addition, one of the leadership classes will be name Dr. Height.

Click here to learn about the summer schools for women program in your region

LCLAA Announces Convention in Las Vegas

The LCLAA convention promises to be a bellwether for the Latino vote and an opportunity to promote the needs of our community. As part of its 37th Celebration, LCLAA will host a series of events including a women's leadership luncheon with Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis (invited), a town hall meeting with exciting congressional speakers, as well as important workshops and discussions on the key issues for Latinos and labor, such as: immigration, green jobs and climate change, wage theft, Latino young workers, EFCA, education, midterm elections and the Latino vote.

Take advantage of our early registration fee of $200 which includes: Welcome Reception, (2) Breakfasts, access to all Plenary Sessions, Workshops, Exhibit Area, Closing Gala and more

EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 16th.   Click here for additional registration iformation. 

Countdown to 20th Anniversary of ADA

July 26, 2010 marks the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The act was intended to give broader protections against the discrimination against workers with disabilities.

To commemorate the anniversary, the US Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy has created a website designed to connect people with disabilities, their family members, veterans, caregivers, employers, service providers and others with the resources they need to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate in the workplace and in their communities.  The website includes a blog which highlights a different issue or fact of the ADA, as it counts down to the anniversary.  Click here to follow the blog

Women's Bureau -- A Valuable Resource

The Women's Bureau of the Department of Labor was created by law in 1920 to formulate standards and policies to promote the welfare of wage-earning women, improve their working conditions, increase their efficiency and advance their opportunities for profitable employment.

Currently under the direction of Sara Manzano-Diaz, the Women's Bureau's vision is to empower all working women to achieve economic security through the mission of developing standards and conducting inquiries to safeguard the interests of working women; advocating for their equality and economic security for themselves and their families.

See what's new on the Women's Bureau Publication Page

Civil Rights History

Did you know the need for civil rights and equality in America began in 1619 when the first 20 African slaves were sold to settlers in Virginia?  Then, more than 200 years later in 1831 Nat Turner would lead a group of slaves to revolt against their oppressors? Further, it was more than 100 years later (1957) before 9 African American students were admitted to Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas and even within the last decade there has been a need for legislation to guarantee basic civil rights for various groups within our country.

There is much more to learn about the history of civil rights in the United States.  Read the chronological timeline of the Civil Rights Movement and discover other significant events and individuals instrumental in securing equal rights for all.

Accompany the Freedom Riders on a Virtual Bus Tour

The Voices of Civil Rights Bus left Washington DC to embark on a 70-day journey which followed part of the 1961 Freedom Rides to Jackson Misssippi, then proceeded to visit other historic sites in the battle for civil rights.  Along the way, nearly 200,000 ordinary citizens attended Voices of Civil Rights events, and thousands shared their personal stories about America's quest for equality. The spirit of this unprecedented journey is preserved through photographs, videos, and regular reports from the road in tribute to those who generously shared a part of history that must never be forgotten.

Click here to follow the tour

Like-Minded Organizations

There are many organizations whose missions and goals mirror that of the IAM Women's and Human Rights Department.  Often, the IAM works in tendum with these organizations on common issues of concern to achieve a favorable outcome or show our support by attending conferences and conventions.  Members of Women's Committees and Human Rights Committees are encouraged to get involved with these like-minded organizations in their areas and to build alliances with them when working on common issues such as Employee Free Choice Act, Ending Domestic Violence, Healthcare Reform, etc.  Read more to learn about some of these organizations and link to their webpages.

Union Pride with Style

Recently added to the stock of IAM merchandise available for purchase is a new line of Women's apparel.  Often, IAM sisters have requested we order items with a more feminine style and fashionable colors.  click for description and order form.

Department Materials

The Women’s and Human Rights Department has published information designed to help newly formed or existing women’s committees and/or human rights committees function efficiently, establish goals and develop activities.  These materials can be provided in small or bulk orders.  Read more to see what materials are available and how to order them.

AFL-CIO Constituency Groups

Building a strong relationship with like-minded organizations is an integral part to accomplishing our mission of ensuring discrimination and harassment free work places.  Among these like-minded organizations within the AFL-CIO Constituency community are:  A. Phillip Randolph Institute (APRI), Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) and Pride at Work (P@W).