How do your union and its members contribute to the betterment of your community

"We have yard sales to raise money for Special Olympics in our community. ...If we hear of a community member that is in need of something, we send out an all call to fill that need [We] collect books for the community book mobile that benefits children throughout the summer. [We] collect food for the local food pantry."
Kelly D'Errico, New Hampshire

"The union reflects the pulse of the community, and, as a reflection of the values, mores, ethics and concerns of the community, is able to mobilize those very same qualities in a way that the individual citizen cannot; unions, therefore, may fairly be called the conscience of the community, because they reflect those very qualities. To the extent that the members of the union act on that collective conscience, therein lies the betterment of the community."
James Close, New York

"Anytime an organization collectively fights for the interests of an organized group, the community cannot help but benefit. Why? The ability to take care of yourself and provide for your family is of paramount importance. The ability to secure health services is very important. The ability to plan for the future in terms of pensions and benefits is also totally important. This is how I believe the union and its members contribute to the betterment of the community."
Gwen Harrison, Illinois 

IT'S YOUR VOICE
We want to hear from you! Visit AFT Voices to respond to the question below—the subject of our next feature—and on other issues throughout the year:

How do you feel the compensation for your job compares with similar jobs in the private sector and in other states?