Women's Committee Report - July 2007

Union Plus benefits are developed and managed by Union Privilege, which was founded by the AFL-CIO in 1986 to provide consumer benefit programs to union members. Embracing its mission to enhance the value of union membership and support a stronger labor movement, Union Privilege has developed a new scholarship program to help more women and people of color become union leaders.

To be eligible, a union member must be from a union participating in any Union Plus program and the Machinists Union currently participates in all of them. Then a completed application form with a recommendation letter from a union leader who has knowledge of the applicant's leadership potential must be submitted by the September 29, 2007 deadline. All applicants must be female and/or a member of a defined racial or ethnic minority.

The award amount is $500-$3,000.00 to be applied toward the financial needs for completion of an accredited degree, coursework or seminar at an accredited educational institution. In addition, scholarship winners will be matched with current union leaders to participate in a special mentoring program.

This exciting new program provides an opportunity to help future leaders with the cost of continuing their education or training in order to pursue their union career goals and leadership skills.

Fliers with more information on applying are available at any of the Union offices. Thank you.