DC 37 and its parent union, the American Federation of State, City and Municipal Employees, need you to make a difference. With the 2004 national elections fast-approaching and a current political climate that is anti-union, the labor movement faces new challenges in protecting members’ jobs and quality of life.

One way you can make a difference is to give back by joining PEOPLE or increasing your PEOPLE contribution. PEOPLE — Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality — is AFSCME’s political action committee. PEOPLE lobbies Congress on behalf of public employees and their families regarding important issues such as Social Security, pay equity, and privatization.

PEOPLE contributions help support politicians who respect public employees and understand the needs and concerns of working families — regardless of party affiliation.

“We cannot assume that other members’ contributions are enough to get the job done,” said Esther “Sandy” Tucker, DC 37 PEOPLE chair and Local 384 president. DC 37’s PEOPLE membership drive will work together with AFSCME’s “Take Back America” campaign, to raise funds for upcoming state and national elections.

Members’ voluntary contributions to PEOPLE strengthen the ability of DC 37 and AFSCME to influence politics and policy and protect members’ jobs and quality of life. While union dues cannot be used to support political candidates, public employees can voluntarily contribute to the PEOPLE Program.

A member who contributes $2.00 or more per pay period is automatically enrolled in the VIP Club. VIP members get a VIP jacket and pin in the first year, and other incentives through the years. The minimum voluntary contribution to the PEOPLE program is 50 cents per pay period.

“If we are going to derail rich, anti-union Republicans, we have to raise more money. Without increased membership in PEOPLE, we’re dead in the water,” said PAC Chair Len Allen. “PEOPLE is our way of pooling assets to support our friends and get them elected so they can work on our behalf and protect our interests.”

Get a membership application from your local’s PEOPLE Coordinator or by calling DC 37 PEOPLE Coordinator Pascale Bernard at (212) 815-1550.

Members of DC 37 locals, AFSCME and their families may also contribute to PEOPLE by check or money order payable to DC 37 PEOPLE, 125 Barclay St., New York, NY 10007. PEOPLE contributions are not tax deductible. PEOPLE’s annual meeting, with guest speaker Sen. David A. Paterson, is Wednesday April 23, at 6 p.m. in DC 37’s Room 1 for PEOPLE members only.