From Alice Therese Riley-King, President and Principal Officer of Local 42
I hope this message finds all of you had a great Christmas and are all in good health. I believe our first meeting went very well and what a dynamic committee we are putting together. Everyone appears eager to participate.
For those of you who were unable attend, here is a quick update. We decided to meet quarterly so no one gets burned out and it does not interfere with people's busy schedules. We discussed what exactly we would like to bring forth to the community, Locals, etc.
Jackie Addison from Local 25 brought in a news article regarding "cell phones for soldiers" and asked me to look into it. I did and actually had the opportunity to meet the two young people who started the program. Talk about dynamic? This brother and sister are two of the most energetic, nicest, and caring young people you will ever meet. This is quite a program and what a special way to give back to those who serve and protect the United States of America. I will be having flyers made to post in the work places to collect cell phones.
I will need your help to make this "our" venture. We will need to get the message out at Union Meetings. For those Locals who do not have a committee person, we will need to ask permission from the Principal Officer to speak about our cause and incorporate their assistance. We can ask the Principal Officers of all the Locals in New England if we can store the collected cell phones (from their Local) at their Local, until we pick them up.
We need to put a time frame on this and set a goal. Please tell me what you think and I will share your thoughts with everyone else. Everyone's opinion is respected on this committee so please don't hold back.
Click here to support Cell Phones for Soldiers
Also, Robin Loder from Local 633 spoke about visiting a nursing home to bring cheer to the elderly. We all agreed, this too, is a great idea. I will be contacting Robin to find out which one she has her eye on for organizing (ha ha). Then we can pull through with her idea.
Although we will not be able to do every concept that is discussed, please do not hesitate to bring forth what you would like from the committee.
Joint Council Principal Officer David Laughton, who has been our biggest supporter of the Women's Committee through the years,, welcomed everyone, spoke about the no politics rule, and stated the Council would help with a New England Women's Conference in 2010, that not only committee members would attend but women from the Local's would also be invited through their respective Principal Officer.
I cannot express my appreciation for the support from Secretary Treasurer Laughton, President Sean O'Brien, and the entire Joint Council 10 Executive Board, regarding our women's committee. They all are the very best.
Well, Sisters, that is it for now, however, I will be communicating more in 2010. On behalf of Secretary Treasurer David Laughton, President Sean O'Brien, and the entire Joint Council Executive Board, we wish you all a safe, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Click here to contact Alice and lend your support.