Public Employee Press

Political Action 2007
PEOPLE Champ:
Super recruiter Alvin Carter

After enrolling 140 new members in the PEOPLE program in 2006, Local 1549 Chapter Chair Alvin Carter earned the moniker Super Recruiter at DC 37.

“His activism has set a new record for the union,” said DC 37 Political Director Wanda Williams.

As the New York Police Dept. hires new Police Administrative Aides, Carter, who leads the orientation classes, introduces them to Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549 and District Council 37. He and Council Rep Brett Koch make the advantages of union membership clear and tell them how the union protects their rights and provides benefits.

“I also explain how they can make their dollars work as a member of PEOPLE,” said Carter, a Sr. PoliceAdministrative Aide.

“Whether it’s street lights on corners or the type of bread sold at their neighborhood market, our lives are affected by politics,” Carter said.

PEOPLE, Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality, is the political, legislative and fundraising arm of AFSCME, DC 37’s parent union, and one of the largest labor political action funds in the nation. It is financed entirely by voluntary membership contributions.

“At the 2006 convention AFSCME introduced a ­campaign to increase its fundraising efforts, and ­volunteers like Carter are helping us reach our goal of increased ­participation,” Williams said.
Carter said the response to the PEOPLE drive is positive, with about 30 percent of each orientation class enrolling in the program.

“PEOPLE contributions help us get the attention we need from the politicians we support,” Carter explained. “We encourage new members to start contributing to ­PEOPLE right away so the money is never missed.”

Members’ voluntary PEOPLE contributions help elect candidates in state and federal elections, and help ­AFSCME lobby for support on issues important to labor and working families such as pensions, job security, Social Security and privatization. PEOPLE supports politicians who support labor and working people, regardless of party affiliation.

DC 37 members can give to PEOPLE through voluntary payroll deductions. Members already enrolled in PEOPLE can increase their contributions. A member who contributes $2.00 or more per pay period is automatically enrolled in the VIP Club and receives a jacket and pin. The minimum voluntary contribution is 50 cents per pay period.

To learn more about PEOPLE and sign up, please call DC 37 Political Action Dept. at 212-815-1550.