PEP, May 2005: PEOPLE person of the month: Jackie Keller

Jacqueline Keller, a PEOPLE activist and phone bank volunteer some 15 years ago, is back on the job with a new burst of enthusiasm.

Today, two years before her retirement, “when most people are laying low and slowing down,” Keller says she has renewed her commitment to PEOPLE.

“PEOPLE is back and stronger than ever,” said Keller, a 37-year Police Dept. veteran. PEOPLE is the Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality, the political action committee of the Council’s national union, AFSCME.

With Bush attacking Social Security and funds for education and health care, joining PEOPLE is more important than ever, she explained, “When I got the call, I knew I had to get involved again.”

Working with PEOPLE Coordinator Sandra Murchison, Local 1549’s Caroline Askew and 2nd Vice President Ralph Palladino and the DC 37 Political Action Dept., Keller is working hard in DC 37’s PEOPLE Drive for new membership this spring. She enjoys reaching out to help Local 1549 members get involved.

“I let members know the benefits of being part of PEOPLE and sign them up at chapter and general membership meetings,” Keller said. “Members like getting feedback about what has been spent and where their money is going, and I tell them what the money is used for and how much it helps our union and the politicians who support us.”

Voluntary contributions help elect candidates in state and federal elections, and help AFSCME lobby for support on issues important to labor and working families. PEOPLE supports politicians, regardless of party affiliation, who understand and side with public employees on issues like Social Security, job security and benefits, and workers’ rights.

In previous years, Keller worked closely with AFSCME International at conventions, which “was exciting, like working in a new store. Everything had to be ready and accounted for,” she said.

Now she volunteers at the new DC 37 PEOPLE store, the PEOPLE flea market and much like a travel agent, the PEOPLE excursion to Atlantic City May 6. Keller said, “It’s great to volunteer for PEOPLE and see what’s on DC 37’s horizon for the future.”

DC 37 members can give to PEOPLE through voluntary payroll deductions, and members already in PEOPLE can increase their contributions. A member who contributes $2 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 sign up for PEOPLE or learn more about the program, call DC 37 PEOPLE Coordinator Sandra Murchison at 212-815-1550.

— Diane S. Williams