“Joining PEOPLE brought me from political ignorance to being politically empowered,” said Clarice Wilson, a Local 983 member and a PEOPLE contributor for 10 years. “As a PEOPLE member I found out just how important it is to have political pull. It dawned on me how important it is to get the right people elected — politicians who will work for us,” said Ms. Wilson.

PEOPLE — Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality — is the political action committee of DC 37’s national union, AFSCME. 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 of working families — regardless of party affiliation. As the Local 983 PEOPLE Coordinator for the last five years, Ms. Wilson proudly wears her PEOPLE President’s Club jacket. It’s a little perk that inspired her to help others see how much can be achieved when a lot of people give a little.

Members’ voluntary contributions to PEOPLE strengthen the union’s ability 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 PEOPLE.

As a coordinator, Ms. Wilson has received training to spur her activity. She is determined to raise membership enrollment by 10 to 15 percent and break the bonds of “political ignorance” for others.

“We need to understand the importance of this Council’s ability to affect city, state and federal politics for the good of our members and our communities,” said Ms. Wilson. “PEOPLE helps level the political playing field.”

You can make a difference by joining PEOPLE or increasing your PEOPLE contribution. A member who contributes $2.00 or more per pay period is automatically enrolled in the VIP Club. The minimum voluntary contribution a member can make is 50 cents per pay period.

Membership applications may be obtained from your local’s PEOPLE Coordinator or by calling DC 37 PEOPLE Coordinator Pascale Bernard at (212) 815-1550. PEOPLE contributions are not tax deductible.

— GNH