KUDOS — PEF Region 10 Coordinator Vernetta Chesimard and PEF President Ken Brynien pose for a photo with some of the activists honored at a dinner. Shown are Michael Kopkin, Bernie Kahn, Ed Diaz, Chesimard, Brynien, Cynthia Saunders-Perry and Hal Friedman. — Photo by Richard Dillard
Power of the people honored in Region 10
Getting up at 6 a.m. to board a bus to campaign for a PEF-endorsed candidate, or attending a rally in bitter-cold weather doesn’t go unnoticed in PEF Region 10.
It’s also the small everyday jobs, such as planning meetings, performing clerical tasks and running errands that strengthen a region as a whole.
The region held its first recognition dinner September 24 in Manhattan where 200 members gathered to reflect upon their involvement in the union and to be appreciated.
“I feel very fortunate to have members who actively participate whenever the need arises,” said PEF Region 10 Coordinator Vernetta Chesimard. “This event was one way to honor our dedicated members and let them know just how much their volunteer work means to the region and ultimately PEF.”
Clara Henry, a social worker assistant 3 at Metro NY Developmental Disabilities Services Office, said the event reinforced a lot of positive feelings about union participation and encouraged further action.
“This was a good gesture,” Henry said. “Being recognized makes you feel your contributions to the union are important.”
“Many of the recipients gave up a lot of their personal time to serve on committees, participate in phone banking for various politicians and demonstrate when there was a call-to-arms,” added Cynthia Saunders-Perry, a management specialist 1 at the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
“The rewards of this event are numerous,” Chesimard said. “Not only does recognizing members make them feel good about their union work, it motivates them to continue being activists. It also encourages new members to participate.
“The union also has an ongoing slew of new battles. With our activists on board, we have the voices we need and the power of the people to win.”
— Deborah A. Miles