By Linda Dill
Local 514’s Working Women’s Committee began meeting about even years ago. Meeting discussions entail workplace issues, sharing important educational and health information, community service volunteer projects and urging union women to step up and take on leadership roles. As a union member, you are already part of the committee and there are no extra dues or fees. Women have a place where our voices are heard, where we can bring ideas to our union and we reap the rewards of activism, networking and sisterhood. Being involved in our Local creates a more diverse environment and adds different perspectives to finding solutions while working side by side with our union brothers.
I shared an opinion a few years ago with our ATD Working Women’s Committee when I said: “Union women have a strong voice, we can mobilize, we are effective and exhibit our strength and solidarity in numerous ways. We can make a difference when it matters most.” Union women make a HUGE difference by being involved. By listening and respecting others, we earn respect. We challenge ourselves by mentoring young women to help pave the way for their future. Women often get discouraged when they are dismissed and sometimes even ignored while exercising the right to use their voice; however, with exhibited character and integrity and the reward of strong leaders, TWU women are empowering themselves more than ever.
In the past our committee has come together collecting needed items for the community. We have assisted with donations to the homeless and we adopted an elementary school assisting them with much needed supplies. The committee has also assisted in COPE drives at our local meetings. This is a committee that requires our ideas, our enthusiasm and our strength. It is a volunteer committee and it is time well spent for the future of TWU members coming behind us.
The ATD Working Women’s Committee participated in last October’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Dallas. To join the team or make a donation go to www.komen-dallas.org and our team name is: Team TWU – Union Women for a Cure. More information about the ATDWWC or Susan G. Komen Race can be found on our website at www.atdwwc.org as well as local meeting information.
In December we took up a collection for DVIS, to help last minute children in domestic violence situations. We are now talking about our next meeting and our goals for 2011.
Your Local 514 Women’s Committee Chairwoman is Debbie Tiller. Please contact the Local 514 Union Hall, 437-4300, with any questions regarding the upcoming meetings and participation and they will put you in touch with Debbie.