Arkansas AFL-CIO

Talk Back

Last week there were a lot of great letters in the paper. Read Walter Hinojosa's letter in the Democrat Gazette about the Employee Free Choice Act, David Arellanes's letter about health insurance reform in the Arkansas Times, and Jimmy Brewer's letter in the Conway Log Cabin Gazette about health insurance reform. Thank you for taking the time to speak out!

The letters to the editor sections of most local papers are packed with misinformation and untrue things about the Employee Free Choice Act, and health insurance reform. One way we can spread the truth, is by sending in a letter to the editor with the facts.

Have you heard about the online tool that makes writing letters to the editor quick and easy? This tool (can be found here) will help you do it! Try it today.

Union Plus Scholarship Video Contest

You'll be inspired by viewing videos from Union Plus scholarship recipients - and will learn about their education goals and commitment to the labor movement. Vote for your favorite video today - visit: http://www.unionplus.org/college-education-financing/scholarship-video-contest

On the Web page above, union families and their children pursuing higher education -- can benefit from Union Plus programs:
- Apply for the Union Plus Scholarship
- Open a 529 account today and eligible union members will receive a $500 grant from Union Plus
- Take advantage of Union Plus student discounts.

Help us share this information with your fellow working families:
- Tell your Facebook fans - Check out the Union Plus FB page at www.facebook.com/unionplus
- Tweet about it - Follow Union Plus at www.twitter.com/unionplus
- Ask your union to post a link on your union Web site and send an email to fellow union members

Upcoming Events

November 5th - Health Insurance Reform Call-In Day
National Day of Action for health insurance reform. For info call Carol Edelson 202-320-1410.

November 5-7th - Mid-South Union Leadership Institute in Hot Springs
The Labor Education Program at UALR is hosting the Mid-South Union Leadership Institute at the Clarion in Hot Springs. Union officers and representatives with leadership responsibilities are welcome to attend. Topics include effective local union administration, union building, communicating in the YouTube age, and opportunities for unions in a new green economy. To find out more, go to http://www.aiea.ualr.edu/lep/events/2009-mid-south.php.

Health Care Reform Can't Wait - Call In Day November 5th

Let's make this one the best yet! We are asking all local unions to schedule a call in EVENT on November 5. Events can include:
* plant gate leafletting
* Sticker day
* cell phone calls from break rooms
* cell phone calls from plant gates at shift change
* Any event that helps educate and motivate your members to make calls

Flyers and rolls of stickers are available for these events. Save shipping costs and order through AFLCIO staff. For info call Carol Edelson 202-320-1410.

Health Insurance Day of Action in Arkansas

Last Tuesday, several groups working on health insurance reform came together to hold a press conference in Little Rock, and a march to Senator Pryor's office to deliver letters for reform. Speakers included Alan Hughes of the Arkansas AFL-CIO, John Noonan of AFSCME, Candis Collins of HCAN, and Nicole Price of Change that Works. That day, over 300,000 phone calls for health insurance reform were made nationally as well. Read more from the Arkansas News Bureau and the Democrat Gazette. Let's keep up the pressure for real health insurance reform!

Lights for Literacy Fundraiser Cancelled

The Lights for Literary fundraiser, The Mad Hatters Party, has been cancelled. Jane Gray-Todd would like to thank everyone for their interest however, and stay tuned for further updates.

Union Plus Scholarship Video Contest

You'll be inspired by viewing videos from Union Plus scholarship recipients - and will learn about their education goals and commitment to the labor movement. Vote for your favorite video today - visit: http://www.unionplus.org/college-education-financing/scholarship-video-contest

On the Web page above, union families and their children pursuing higher education -- can benefit from Union Plus programs:
- Apply for the Union Plus Scholarship
- Open a 529 account today and eligible union members will receive a $500 grant from Union Plus
- Take advantage of Union Plus student discounts.

Help us share this information with your fellow working families:
- Tell your Facebook fans - Check out the Union Plus FB page at www.facebook.com/unionplus
- Tweet about it - Follow Union Plus at www.twitter.com/unionplus
- Ask your union to post a link on your union Web site and send an email to fellow union members

Upcoming Events

October 24th - Arkansas Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice Annual Awards Banquet in Little Rock
This will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 800 Scott St. Little Rock. Silent Auction will begin at 6:00 p.m., Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker is Kim Bobo, Executive Director Interfaith Worker Justice. Tickets are available in advance or at the door for $35 per person. A table for eight may be purchased for $280. A table for eight and a full-page ad may be purchased for $325 for a savings of $55. For more information, please contact: Melba Collins, 501-888-3270 or workerjustice@aol.com.

November 5th - Health Insurance Reform Call-In Day
National Day of Action for health insurance reform. For info call Carol Edelson 202-320-1410.

November 5-7th - Mid-South Union Leadership Institute in Hot Springs
The Labor Education Program at UALR is hosting the Mid-South Union Leadership Institute at the Clarion in Hot Springs. Union officers and representatives with leadership responsibilities are welcome to attend. Topics include effective local union administration, union building, communicating in the YouTube age, and opportunities for unions in a new green economy. To find out more, go to http://www.aiea.ualr.edu/lep/events/2009-mid-south.php.

Rallying outside Senator Lincoln's Office

On Wednesday last week, several activists rallied outside Senator Lincoln's office. These activists included union members, MoveOn members, and members of the community. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Local Union Spotlight: AFSCME House Calls for Health Care

On Saturday, October 10 in the Old Supreme Court Room at the Arkansas State Capital AFSCME member nurses from around the country were joined by local community members as they hit the streets to go door-to-door for health care reform. Similar canvasses were held simultaneously in nine health care battleground states and featured nurses demanding reform of a system that allows private insurance companies to come in between health care providers and their patients. Read more from Today's THV.