"I just got off my butt and JOINED your fine organization. I am recommending that everyone on our Reform Committee do the same..." RDJones, UTU
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AUDHome-->Fund Appeal
Please help build The Association for Union Democracy
Send a link to this letter to a friend, and help build AUD.
December, 2011
Still here, still fighting...
We all know about labor's struggle against its long, slow decline in membership. This fight, often against the relentless opposition of anti-labor business interests and also sometimes, sad to say, labor's own bureaucratic inertia, was compounded this year by the significant legislative assaults we have all grimly read about. But AUD is still being flooded with requests for help from people who know the importance of the labor movement, and want it to be there for themselves and others -- people working and risking to make sure this happens.
Each month, over 25,000 visitors browse AUD's information-packed website, mine our storehouse of “how-tos” and links to relevant sources, and read stories from our Union Democracy Review and $100 Plus Club News. And if the web “surfer” needs more, a call or an email to our office gets it -- last year we provided one-to-one help to a record number of unionists wanting to improve and strengthen their unions. And we are proud to know that our help has made a difference:
“Without your support, continued interest and writing of the struggles I sincerely doubt I could have kept the members interested through the long legal process....”
--Finn Pette, former financial-secretary, International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 501
“I was forced to defend myself against the overwhelming power of a union that I depend on for my livelihood. With no one and nowhere to turn for help, I found AUD. They listened attentively and asked responsible questions. I was very impressed with their great intuitive insight into my problem when they offered sound legal direction. My appeal is now on good solid legal ground.”
--an electrician
“When we were embattled reformers aiming to make our nurses association a more effective union we faced repressive disciplinary retaliation from an abusive controlling officialdom, even possible expulsion. AUD steered us in the right direction in Federal court and publicized our cause in Union Democracy Review. With your help, we successfully defended our rights and won our battle. AUD continues to be an essential resource for our caucus in building a stronger democratic union for registered nurses in New York State.”
-- Pat Kane, Anne Bove, and members of the New York Nurses United caucus.
“I cannot remember who put me in touch with AUD, however, I'm grateful they did. AUD's guidance, support and encouragement are what I needed to replenish my drive for justice. A complaint of mine has been proceeding through the slow hands of justice. This is why AUD is so important. Its distribution of information to union members gives us what we need to fight back when there are unfair practices in our unions. My struggle goes on. I'm certain that I will be victorious in my efforts. Nichiren Daishonin puts our struggle in context when he states, “Struggle purifies us and brings forth benefits in our lives. Justice or happiness without a battle is an illusion.” Thinking that happiness means a life free of hard work is fantasy. You need AUD and now, AUD needs you to become a member or give a little extra if you can.”
--union member
AUD does needs your help. We are facing a serious budgetary shortfall this year. Most of our support comes from rank-and-file unionists, who we understand are themselves more and more stressed. Nevertheless, we continue to count on you so that we can carry on the struggle to do what we do -- what we believe you know needs to be done. And we hope you can come through for us once again.
Your partners in union democracy,
Judith Schneider -- President
Herman Benson -- Secretary Treasurer
Kurt Richwerger -- Executive Director
Joshua Gaston -- Assistant Editor
Matt Noyes -- Internet Coordinator
Patti Whittier -- Program Assistant
Rashida Atkins -- Program Associate
Contribute now:
Become an AUD Associate for just $30 per year.*
Or, by giving just $10 a month, you can join our $100 Plus Club and get our publications every month.
The labor movement is going through enormous challenges and changes. Help us make sure that union democracy isn't overlooked and forgotten.
*IRS regulations prohibit deduction of the first $30 of your total yearly contribution due to the publications received.
AUD depends on the financial contributions of our members and supporters to stay afloat. Without your help we can not keep paying the rent, publishing the magazine and website, and providing the legal, educational, and counseling support that rank-and-file activists need so much. We hope you will agree that this project is worth supporting. Contribute online via our secure credit card service. If you want to contribute offline, give us a call. Please consider putting AUD in your will. It's tax deductible. Federal Employees can give to AUD via the Combined Federal Campaign.
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