PEP, January 2006: People person of the month: Frank Maldonado, Eligibility Specialist

“Joining PEOPLE was a political motivator for me because I knew the money we raise supports the goals of DC 37 and AFSCME,” said Frank Maldonado, an HRA Eligibility Specialist and a PEOPLE member since 1984.

“Two years after I joined, DC 37 held a contest to see who could sign up the most members at any agency. I went at it and helped raise thousands of dollars,” said the Local 1549 member.

Financed by voluntary membership contributions, Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality is the political fundraising arm of DC 37’s parent union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

A gregarious person full of energy and ideas, Maldonado also helped organize for AFSCME in Puerto Rico. “You have to be able to motivate others. I use humor to pull people in,” he said.

“Once I explain how important PEOPLE is, that the donations for political campaigns affect their jobs and elect union-endorsed candidates, they appreciate it more,” he said.

Maldonado was part of the campaign that made Clerical-Administrative Local 1549 DC 37’s top PEOPLE participant. At one recent meeting of E-911 workers, he signed up 55 new members.

PEOPLE offers incentive gift items, with eye-catching jackets and pins for members who join at $2 a pay period or increase their contribution to this VIP level.

Voluntary PEOPLE contributions help elect candidates for state and federal office who support working people, regardless of party affiliation. DC 37 members can give to PEOPLE through voluntary payroll deductions, and PEOPLE members can increase their contributions. A member who contributes $2 or more per pay period is automatically enrolled in the VIP program. The minimum voluntary contribution is 50 cents per pay period.

To join PEOPLE or learn more about the program, please call the DC 37 Political Action Dept. at 212-815-1550.

— DSW