Labor
The United Way & Labor Partnership
Historical Perspective:
United Way Worldwide and the Labor Partnership: Since 1946 the National AFL-CIO and United Way Worldwide have joined forces. The objective of this partnership at that time and today is to effect positive change in our communities; to become a part of the solution. This partnership included inviting Labor onto the Board of Directors at the national level as well as marshalling 200 Labor Liaisons as a positive force at local United Ways across the country.
Partnership:
The purpose of the AFL-CIO Liaison Program in Greater Kalamazoo area is to foster the partnership between Organized Labor and the Greater Kalamazoo United Way.
Emphasis is placed on community service through volunteerism, education, information/referral, and support of United Way. The AFL-CIO Community Service Liaison is also known as the Labor Liaison and is on staff as the Director of the Labor Division at the Greater Kalamazoo United Way.
Volunteer Leadership:
Labor Volunteers support United Way in a variety of roles. Currently in Kalamazoo we have a group of about 90 individuals of which approximately 30 are “Core Volunteers” within the LPD (Labor Participation Division). Labor members hold four seats on the GKUW Board of Directors serve on year-round committees at their worksites and serve on the Community Investment Allocation Teams. Additionally, Labor volunteers serve as leaders in their workplace giving campaigns and work with community partners to make positive impacts in the community.
Service:
At the Greater Kalamazoo United Way our partnership with the AFL-CIO remains an integral part of our work in the community. Organized Labor has demonstrated its commitment and dedication to Kalamazoo and its surrounding areas through its support of community and United Way initiatives and projects.
With leadership provided by the Central Labor Council, who volunteer alongside of others, we have partnered with the Union Counselors group in Battle Creek MI in fundraisers, and community projects, awarded scholarships to the AFL-CIO Community Service School, and continue to work together on UW Campaign Kick-Off events.
The partnership that exists among Organized Labor and local United Ways affords us the ability to cross county lines and work jointly to improve the human condition in the entire region.
Training Programs:
In Michigan we are fortunate to continue our AFL-CIO Community Service School. The school offers one week training in community service. Every year at least 100 Union Members from across the state attend this training. Training focuses on Community Service Committee building. Workshop offerings ranges from “How to run an effective meeting?” and “One-on-One” communications to “Board participation training”, Technology as a Tool, and Public Speaking.
In Kalamazoo there is an annual Union Community Activist Network (UCAN) Training Day. The workshops change every year with the topics and content for the day determined by the members of the Labor Participation Division (LPD).
Other training/educational opportunities are provided at the Labor Leaders Dinners held three times a year. Again, the content of the dinner program comes from the volunteers of the LPD Past topics include the 2-1-1information and referral service, Legislative updates, recognition of “Outstanding Volunteers,” and other timely and appropriate topics for community engagement.
TOP SUPPORTING UNIONS:
(Click on their title for more information)
AFSCME 1668 at Western Michigan University
AFSCME 1677 Kalamazoo County Employees
Kalamazoo Education Association
Communication Workers of America #4123 at AT&T
United Steelworkers Local 2-1010 at Graphic-Packaging
UAW Region 1D
Michigan Nurses Association at Borgess Hospital
Utility Workers Union of America #150 at Consumers Energy
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #131
Ironworkers Local 340
Painters & Glaziers 312
Heat & Frost Insulators #47
Teamsters Local #7
MI State AFL-CIO South Central Labor Council
OFFICERS OF THE LABOR PARTICIPATION DIVISION:
LPD Chair: Kathi Cain-Babbitt, AFSCME 1668, Chief Steward
LPD Vice-Chair: Leroy Crabtree, IBEW 131, Business Agent
LPD Board Appointee: Millie Lambert, President KEA
LPD Board Appointee & Recording Secretary: Jeff Ampey, CWA 4123
AFL-CIO COMMUNITY SERVICE LIAISON at the GREATER KALAMAZOO UNITED WAY:
Lori Stanaszek, United Steelworker Local 2-1010