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Monday, June 26, 2000Yo, Philly — We're Here!“AFSCME 2000: The Future is Now,” is more than the theme of our 34th Biennial Convention. It’s a statement of fact. This week, in historic Philadelphia, delegates will debate and settle the most important issues facing our union. They will also elect the officers and executive board members who will lead us in the 21st century. Pennsylvania — home to more than 105,000 AFSCME members (more than 500 locals and affiliates) — is the “Keystone State.” That’s appropriate because International Pres. Gerald W. McEntee, a native Philadelphian, will open the Convention with a report on the status of AFSCME’s own keystones: organizing — to increase our strength; political action — to secure our power; and fighting privatization — to protect our jobs. International Sec.-Treas. William Lucy will then provide a financial report and describe how our union will maintain a solid foundation. We will also hear from a sparkling array of national leaders: Pres. Bill Clinton and Vice Pres. Al Gore Jr., whom AFSCME has endorsed in the upcoming presidential election. Adding their perspectives from Capitol Hill will be House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas. Ebony magazine lists Jackson Lee (D-Texas) among the “100 Most Fascinating Black Women of the Century.” Also speaking will be: former congressman Kweisi Mfume, now NAACP president and CEO, who has helped rejuvenate the organization by bringing in a new generation of civil rights leaders; Charles Kernaghan, executive director of the National Labor Committee, who has crusaded against sweatshops and the exploitation of child labor; and Bruce Raynor, secretary-treasurer of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE). More than 20 workshops will help members sharpen their understanding of privatization, organizing and other concerns. Don’t forget to poke around the exhibition booths. We’re also holding an imaginative “Unfair” — a carnival of intellectually stimulating games and activities designed to drive home the evils of privatization. It will operate on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, after the Convention recesses. For the first time, we will honor AFSCME’s Public Service Heroes, affiliates that have distinguished themselves in the fight against privatization and the promotion of public service. Then have fun Thursday evening at the Philadelphia Zoo — the nation’s oldest. Meet the zoo’s employees, proud members of AFSCME Local 752 (Council 47). Watch the animals, and enjoy the food and festivities.
PEOPLE People EverywhereThe AFSCME Convention is a PEOPLE fashion show. Wherever you look, you’ll see delegates sporting classy PEOPLE duds. PEOPLE (Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality) is AFSCME’s political/legislative program. Shop PEOPLE. Drop by the large booth to check out the goods: hats, shirts, sweats, socks — all with the PEOPLE insignia; you can even buy a personalized luggage tag. PEOPLE merchandise makes great gifts for AFSCME members back home. Everything is union-made in the U.S.A., and all profits help AFSCME fight political battles on behalf of working families. Take a Chance on PEOPLE. You might win a computer. Winners will be announced just before the end of Convention sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Run, Walk or Roll With PEOPLE. The Fun Run is an AFSCME tradition, and you don’t have to be an athlete to participate. This year, the three-mile race will unfold at 7 a.m. on Thursday morning in Fairmount Park. Buses will operate to and from the race site. To participate, you must raise $40 from sponsors. Sign up at the PEOPLE Booth by close of business on Wednesday.
Daily Schedule10 a.m. Opening Ceremony Welcomes Convention Call Introductions of International Vice Presidents, Judicial Panel & Special Guests Keynote Address Committee Reports & Announcements Today’s Weather: Hazy, hot & humid, low 90s; chance of thunderstorms Tight Security Time: Clinton & Gore Speak Vice President Gore will address the Convention tomorrow, and President Clinton will be here on Friday. Make sure to arrive early at those days' sessions — and leave unnecessary bags at your hotel — in order to clear security.
Sign Ups — Do ’em Now!Registration will be open until a half hour after recess on Monday and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday. If an alternate is to replace a delegate, the replacement must be made by the close of registration on Tuesday. Meeting rooms may be reserved at the AFSCME Information Booth. Workshops – All workshop registration forms should be completed and returned upon registration. If you have not already turned in your form, please do so immediately at the Workshop Desk in Hall B. PEOPLE Fun Run – Sign up for this Thursday morning event at the PEOPLE Booth outside Hall A by close of business Wednesday. AFSCME Evening at the Zoo – RSVP at the In Box at the Information Booth. Child Care – Pre-registration is required for child care. If you wish to use this service and have not already signed up, check on space availability at the child care facility in Rooms 102 A and B. Equal Partners Breakfast – Featuring an exciting mystery-guest speaker; held Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. in the Convention Center Ballroom A & B. This event always sells out, so purchase your tickets (for $10) at the Equal Partners Desk until Tuesday at 1 p.m. After that, available tickets will be sold at the Women’s Rights Booth flanking Hall A. Tours – Visit the Tour Desk in Hall B. Family Feud – Sign up for the Family Feud game at the Information Booth. The game will be played Wednesday and Thursday during the “Unfair” Privatization Expo in Hall B. Teams are limited to four members. Karaoke – Get those vocal chords warmed up – yes, “shower singers” included – and come “Sing a Song to Stop the Privateers” during karaoke sessions at the “Unfair” Privatization Expo on Wednesday and Thursday in Hall B, after recess. Support Gore – Delegates are reminded to use their tickets in their Delegate Kit to pick up an AFSCME T-shirt to wear during Vice President Gore’s appearance on Tuesday. Important Places
Message Board Child Care Tour Desk Friends of Bill W. Preaching AFSCME's GospelInternational Vice Pres. (IVP) James Butler of DC 37 addressed the congregation at Philadelphia’s Pinn Memorial Baptist Church yesterday. Butler pointed out the importance of Philly administrators offering city workers a decent contract. Also speaking at churches and synagogues were: IVP Josephine LeBeau, DC 1707; Carol Wheeler, executive director, Council 36; IVP Helen Greene, DC 37; Paul Booth, assistant to Pres. Gerald W. McEntee; and Tracey Abman, Council 31 organizing director. They emphasized the need to maintain an ongoing relationship between religious groups and unions.
Pinheads and Their Pins RuleOne of the most storied traditions of the AFSCME Convention — pin swapping — is sure to be a sticking point this year.We’re talking serious stuff here. Who’s got the must-have pin? Who’s willing to trade four for one? Who’s willing to dole out a couple of bucks for the prized possession? All of these questions and more will be answered at the pin display, which will be erected near the PEOPLE Booth on the Convention floor. Jon Ng, a council representative from DC 37’s Local 1549, will be on hand to welcome all pin seekers and introduce them to serious bartering. Ng is well-known as AFSCME’s “pinmeister.” If you need a pin, he’s your man. The display will be set up Sunday and is expected to operate each day of the Convention. “If you want to learn about the history of AFSCME through pins, please come by,” says Ng. “Bring your pins and be prepared to swap stories.” Ng will be chatting with traders to document the history of pins and their significance. Once compiled, AFSCME will have a one-of-a-kind record. Stop by and become a part of our proud history.
EXPOsure to PrivatizationBet you’ve never associated privatization with fun. The AFSCME 2000 Convention will do just that. When the Convention recesses on Wednesday and Thursday (June 28 and 29), the International will sponsor the “Privatization Unfair” expo. The event is geared toward educating, inspiring and instigating union members to continue the fight against the creeping perils, although in a light-hearted manner. Fair-goers will learn the eerie truth about privatization when they visit the House of Horrors. Or, try to clean up the privateers’ act by dunking one in a huge water tank. The expo is family friendly as well; there will be loads of fun and games for the kids — for example, contributing their talents to the painting of an AFSCME mural. Don’t be surprised to see Hollywood star Clancy Brown signing autographs for fans. The versatile actor has starred in blockbuster hits “The Hurricane,” in which he plays Corrections Officer Lt. Jimmy Williams; “The Shawshank Redemption” as prison CO Captain Hadley; and “Highlander” as the Kurgan, Victor Kruger. Expo officials are seeking contestants to participate in “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” and “Family Feud” games. Prizes such as a golf putter, leather portfolio, PEOPLE merchandise and more will be awarded. Sign ups for “Family Feud” will be held Monday and Tuesday (June 26 and 27) at the Information Booth. Mark your calendars now. All will be fair — and fun — at the Unfair.
AFSCME Members have the ADVANTAGEVisit the AFSCME Advantage Booth and bring the ticket from your delegate kit to enter the drawing for a 25-inch color TV or a $500 credit to your AFSCME Advantage credit card balance! Daily prize drawing is at the close of each day’s session and will be announced in the following day’s Daily. Last drawing is on Thursday. While you’re there, take ADVANTAGE of the benefits provided by your union membership.
Did You Say Prizes?The AFSCME Activist Center will give 10 prizes each day, Monday through Thursday, to the lucky winners in its drawing. Thursday brings an additional drawing for the grand prize – a PEOPLE collectible...The Health and Safety Booth will hold a drawing, also Monday through Thursday, for an attaché case...The Organize – It’s Up to You Booth will have a drawing to award special T-shirts to members who sign up to become volunteer organizers. Winners will be announced in the Daily.Speaking of prizes...A special one goes to two ladies from Bemidji, Minn., Karen L. Haugen of Local 3709 and Cheryl J. Cronemiller of Local 1851 (both Council 65). They were the first members to register for Convention 2000. Karen and Cheryl, collect your prizes at the AFSCME Convention Office (stop first at the Information Booth).Rallying for Philly VictoryAFSCME faithful: support Philly members by taking part in a Solidarity Rally on Tuesday afternoon. City workers and 1199C health workers are fighting for a fair deal as their contract expires on June 30. Assemble at 12th and Arch Streets (just outside the Convention Center) at 4 p.m. for a three-block walk to City Hall. And wear your AFSCME green! |
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