PEP, January 2005: Local Scholarships: Big boost to union families

By JANE LATOUR

On the job, Zobeira Martínez provides social services to tenants of the city’s Housing Authority, where she works in the community operations department.

Like her career, her educational goals are driven by a powerful desire to serve others. She is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Hunter College.

Ms. Martínez, the daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, is eager to advocate for people who can’t speak English and who don’t know where to get assistance.

“My long term goal is to create an organization that can bring existing resources together and help connect them to immigrants and victims of domestic violence,” she said.

Aiding her in graduate school is a scholarship from Social Service Employees Local 371, one of numerous DC 37 locals that provide scholarships to help members and their children and grandchildren realize their goals.

The local created her scholarship in memory of Joe Rogoff, one of its founders, after he died in 1985 and Winnie Mandela, noted anti-apartheid activist. Ms. Mandela was one of the first Black women social workers in South Africa. The first award, $500, was given in 1986. Since then, Local 371 has awarded over 60 scholarships to members pursuing graduate studies in social work, and the amount has grown to $2,000.

Support for students
Real Estate Local 1219 established its scholarship program in memory of former President James Cobb, who died of prostate cancer. “I’m proud that our local has the scholarship in Mr. Cobb’s name,” said Vernon Lewis, an Associate Real Property Manager for the Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development and a union member for 25 years.

This year, Mr. Lewis is especially proud because his son has received one of the scholarships. “It’s very important that the local gives something back to the children of the members,” he said.

Mr. Lewis’ son, Khamakha Sen Heru Lewis, is a sophomore at Stony Brook College, part of the State University of New York. He is studying computer science, business and technology systems. “I’m honored to get this award from my father’s union,” he said. “The scholarship can help pay the balance of my tuition and purchase my books for 2005!”

Apply now for labor movement scholarships
	For information on the scholarships offered by DC 37 and many locals, check with the DC 37 Education Dept. and your local. The deadline for the AFSCME Family Scholarship was Dec. 31, but now is the time to apply for the 2005 Union Plus Scholarships and the New York State AFL-CIO 2002 Scholarship. The Union Plus Scholarships, which are funded by the issuer of the Union Plus Credit Card, range from $500 to $4,000. The application deadline is Jan. 31, 2005. To get an application, visit www.afscme.org/about/aa-scho.htm. Or send a postcard with your name, return address, telephone number and international union affiliation (AFSCME) to Union Plus Education Foundation, c/o Union Privilege, P.O. Box 34800, Washington, D.C. 20043-4800. To get an application for the $2,000-a-year, four-year New York State AFL-CIO award, call Gary Duesberg at 518-436-8516 or visit nysaflcio.org. The filing deadline is April 15, 2005.

Families come first
Local 1219’s Hilario Albert is another proud father. His stepdaughter, Irene Brito-Albert, received a scholarship this year. Majoring in forensic psychology at John Jay Criminal College, she is driven by a strong social conscience. Ms. Brito-Albert volunteers regularly to feed the homeless and has worked with juvenile delinquents. “As I grew up, a lot of my friends didn’t have anyone to guide them like I did. I work with children to let them know that they can make it.”

Her father, now on leave from HPD, became an ordained Episcopalian priest in September 2003. “I have mixed emotions about the scholarship,” he said. “I think that more kids should have scholarships like this. But I also feel very happy that she got the money and that she has people on her side who care about her education.”

Bernice Tucker has chaired the Local 1219 scholarship committee for the past five years. “I find it very exhilarating when the students are so happy that they got the scholarships,” she said.

On Oct. 9, Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549 held its second annual scholarship fund dinner. The local distributed 21 scholarships to members’ children and grandchildren. Alma Roper, chair of the Police Communications Technicians and Supervising PCTs Chapter, was the mistress of ceremonies at the event.

Her introductory remarks won high praise from Local 1549 President Eddie Rodríguez: “Alma, you gave a beautiful speech. You said it all. The local believes in our families and in the dreams of our children,” he said.

Executive Vice President Lenora Gates commended the parents: “I know it’s not easy being a parent, having raised four children of my own, especially in today’s environment.”

Dominic Carter, the host of Channel 1’s “Inside City Hall,” was the keynote speaker. Mr. Carter reminded the students that the $1,000 scholarship award can stretch a long way. “It can cover a meal plan or the cost of books,” he said.

He also urged the young adults to honor their parents. “When your back is up against the wall and you’re studying and working two jobs, remember these people who quietly sacrificed for you every day.”

Mr. Carter lauded Local 1549 for its commitment to the young people. “Eddie Rodríguez and this local are visionaries for helping to create the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.