April 2007
April 2, 2007
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Gwendolyn McMahan has been an IAM Member and has been an active member since day one. A Reservations Agent for Southwest Airlines, Sister Gwen has held the position of Trustee, Vice President and Present on Local Lodge 2210’s Executive Board and is currently a Texas State AFL-CIO Board Member.
A true activist to the core, Sister Gwen says she’s always felt a calling to be actively involved. She says she views her work in lodge to be like, “that of a minister.” She seeks, “to provide help and support to others, working to ensure justice on the job and in the community.”
Sister Gwen gains her motivation from the desire to be part of the driving force to better things for the membership. She suggests anyone looking to be more involved start by helping to organize the unorganized. She adds, “Nothing makes you appreciate your union benefits more than talking to unorganized workers!”
Sister Jacqueline Schmidt is a 7 year member from Local Lodge 1927 in Ontario Canada. She is currently the lodge’s Recording Secretary, but has also served on the Executive Board as a Lodge Trustee.
Employed as a General Labourer at Dura Automotive, Sister Jacqueline was moved to become more involved in lodge activities by a strong belief in the strength of solidarity and a genuine interest in unionism. She attended meetings, asked questions and participated in union activities. Seeing her level of commitment, other members encouraged Sister Jacqueline to seek out a leadership position within the lodge, so she ran for office and won.
Sister Jacqueline says the first step for any sister seeking leadership positions is to get involved. She encourages them to attend meetings and make sure their participation and conduct demonstrates their level of commitment. Having attended a few trainings at the IAM’s Winpisinger Educational Center, she further advises everyone to take advantage on any educational opportunity presented to them.
