In Nadra's Footsteps

Both Carlene Hawkins and Nadra Floyd, AFSCME's late and respected organizer, began their union careers as rank-and-file activists. Hawkins became a steward, vice president and now president of Illinois Local 2615 (Council 31), representing 358 workers. Some 50 of those were fair share fee payers who she brought into full AFSCME membership. She also established a rapid communications system at each of her local's 44 worksites.

Hawkins joins three other AFSCME leaders as this year's Nadra Floyd Memorial Scholarship recipients: Michael J. Campon, labor relations specialist, New York's Civil Service Employees Association/AFSCME Local 1000; Patricia Reed, president of Illinois Local 432 (Council 31); and André Washington, Ohio Association of Public School Employees/AFSCME Local 4 field representative.

Four renewable scholarships are given annually. They provide $1,000 twice a year to help cover tuition, books, and room and board for AFSCME members and staff who are pursuing a degree at the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Md.

Applications for next year's awards must be postmarked no later than Feb. 28, 2004. Get more information on the AFSCME Web site. Or call AFSCME's Department of Education and Leadership Training at (202) 429-1250.