Our Stories Archive

September 29, 2017

AFSCME Florida Steps in to Help Member Who Lost Home to Hurricane Irma

This Florida member can’t return to her home due to the damage caused by Hurricane Irma. She’s grateful for the help and attention provided by AFSCME Florida.

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September 22, 2017

In Memoriam: Alvin Turner, Memphis Sanitation Worker and Labor Hero

AFSCME mourns the passing of Alvin Turner, 83, a participant in the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike and member of AFSCME Local 1733.

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September 18, 2017

A Routine Job Becomes a Job to Save a Life

Two Akron, Ohio, AFSCME members helped save the life of a driver who lost control of his vehicle and crashed.

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September 12, 2017

Rikers Island Inmates Say ‘Thanks’ to a Dedicated Library Worker

The stacks of handwritten thank-you notes for the NY Public Library’s mobile library and literacy program at Rikers Island jail show just how valuable Louise Stamp is.

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September 05, 2017

Finding A Home Through His Public Service

Alex Hamilton, a maintenance worker for Sacramento public housing, got a lot farther by working a lot harder in his community through his public service and extraordinary generosity.

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August 22, 2017

Minnesota Workers Save Plane Crash Victim

Two Minnesota public service workers saved the life of a pilot whose small plane crashed shortly after takeoff.

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August 21, 2017

Somali Refugee Is Like a Mother to Her Community

AFSCME member Hawo Gurey survived a civil war, lived in an African refugee camp and finally made it to Minnesota, where she is now a mother to her community.

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August 07, 2017

Custodial Heroes Save a Student’s Life

Custodial staff at a California college don’t just ably serve their institution; the AFSCME members recently prevented a student from committing suicide.

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July 24, 2017

This Member Doesn’t See Himself a Hero. Everyone Else Does

Traffic control maintenance worker John Marciel used his bravery and familiarity with traffic signs to save the life of a child.

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July 19, 2017

A Game Show Jackpot Will Change His Life – But Not His Public-Service Job

Why were Illinois sanitation worker Delvar Dopson and his wife competing on the NBC show “The Wall,” and what will they do with the jackpot they won? Bet you can’t guess.

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July 12, 2017

Christopher Cummings Never Quits

When he witnessed a horrible accident involving a police car, AFSCME sanitation worker Chris Cummings sprang into action. Chris used to be homeless, but he got a second chance. This time, it was his turn to give a second chance.

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July 10, 2017

New York Librarian Brings Books to Homeless Children

At a time when public services, including libraries, are under attack, it’s up to AFSCME members who never quit to keep our communities strong – people like Colbert Nembhard.

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July 05, 2017

NYC EMTs Help Panic-Stricken Riders of Derailed Subway Train

Emergency medical technicians, members of DC 37, helped panic-stricken riders of derailed subway train after a recent crash.

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June 19, 2017

Feeling Fortunate, Paying it Forward

Margaret Smolko fosters compassion and dignity for the residents of the Pennsylvania care center where she works.

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June 13, 2017

AFSCME Texas Corrections Officer Dies After Confrontation with Inmate

Shana Tedder, a Texas corrections officer and member of AFSCME Texas Corrections Local 3920, died after a June 9 incident involving an inmate.

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June 05, 2017

Laura Fulmer Takes Her Job Seriously. Her Community Loves Her for It

Never Quit Award winner Laura Fulmer is serious about her job as a Housing Code Enforcement Officer. Her community is very appreciative.

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June 01, 2017

Happy LGBT Pride Month!

AFSCME joins in the celebration of Pride Month, affirming that members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community – like all Americans – are entitled to respect and dignity, and the equal protection under our laws.

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May 22, 2017

Delaware Member Finds Kids Safe Harbor

Family Service Specialist Tim Dennison ensures that children in Delaware’s foster system find safe homes and have a voice in the world.

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May 19, 2017

At Belleview Elementary, Van DeVries Is a Hero to Many

Van DeVries was nominated by no fewer than 13 members of the Belleview Elementary School community for AFSCME’s Never Quit Service Award. Clearly, he’s no garden-variety “building engineer.”

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May 15, 2017

At a Time of Change, She Was a Voice for Her Local

Jackie Spanjers, a nurse at Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center in Minnesota, is retiring after 21 years of service. During a challenging time for workers at the mental health treatment center, she was a voice for her local.

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May 15, 2017

National Law Enforcement Week: Honoring Heroes Who’ve Sacrificed

National Law Enforcement Week honors fallen law enforcement officers and pays tribute to the vital role they play in keeping their communities safe.

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May 08, 2017

To Nurses Everywhere, We Say Thank You

During National Nurses Week, we say thank you to these dedicated public servants who keep our communities healthy.

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May 08, 2017

Alaska Trooper Wins AFSCME Award, and Governor Takes Notice

Anne Sears won the Never Quit Service Award for her extraordinary service helping victims of domestic violence and of child abuse.

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May 08, 2017

Best Way to Honor Corrections Professionals? Provide Adequate Staffing.

To corrections officers and employees everywhere, we say a special thank you during National Correctional Officers and Employees Week.

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May 02, 2017

AFSCME Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

This month AFSCME is commemorating the achievements of Asian American and Pacific Islander American workers, leaders and activists.

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April 25, 2017

AFSCME’s New Secretary-Treasurer

AFSCME is excited to introduce its new Secretary-Treasurer, Elissa McBride.

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April 24, 2017

A Second Chance – to Live, Serve and Save a Life

Christopher Cummings embodies AFSCME’s Never Quit spirit. While on his rounds as a sanitation truck driver in South Florida, Cummings saved a cop’s life.

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April 24, 2017

A Second Chance – to Live, Serve, and Save a Life

Christopher Cummings embodies AFSCME’s Never Quit spirit. While on his rounds as a sanitation truck driver in South Florida, Cummings saved a cop’s life.

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April 13, 2017

Jimmie Rook of IA Brightens Vets’ Days Despite Hurdles

Nothing stops AFSCME Never Quit Award winner Jimmie Rook from serving Iowa’s veterans – not even a paralyzed arm.

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April 11, 2017

Welcome to Our New Podcast: About That AFSCME Life!

Listen to the very first episode of About That AFSCME Life, the new podcast bringing you the stories of your sisters and brothers and news you can use.

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