Don’t just talk about it — be about it!” was the challenge put to DC 37 when AFSCME’s Lorraine O’Hara visited union headquarters May 27. As national PEOPLE director, Ms. O’Hara was invited by DC 37 head Lillian Roberts to speak at the union’s Delegates Council and remind members of PEOPLE’s accomplishments and spur them to reach future goals.

“I did my first drive here,” Ms. O’Hara said. “Back then we struggled with Mayor Ed Koch. He opposed our getting voluntary payroll deductions for political work. He was afraid we’d use it against him. And by God we did!”

PEOPLE — Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality — is the political action committee of District Council 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 and concerns of working families — regardless of their party affiliation. Recent changes in campaign finance laws have made it more important than ever for union members to join and increase their contributions to PEOPLE, said DC 37 Political Action and Legislation Director Wanda Williams.

“George Bush doesn’t want us to participate in the political process,” Ms. O’Hara said. “But if each one pitches in we can make a difference.”

Union members can join PEOPLE with a minimum voluntary contribution of 50 cents per pay period. Members who contribute $2.00 or more per pay period automatically are enrolled in the VIP Club.

“We’d much rather sit across the table from elected officials who are for working families,” Ms. O’Hara continued. “And PEOPLE dollars can make that happen.” As time counts down to the 2004 presidential election, AFSCME’s Take Back America campaign to elect leaders who put working families first is becoming increasingly important. “We are in for the fight of our lives,” said Ms. Williams. “The alarm has been sounded. We need to heed the call.”

“Political participation is the only way to change and improve our quality of life,” said Local 384 President and DC 37 PEOPLE Chair Esther “Sandy” Tucker. “It’s time to get involved — register, contribute to PEOPLE and make our votes count.”

— DSW