On Feb. 24, 2024, approximately 90 members of IAM Local 701 demonstrated their commitment to community service by participating in a volunteer event at Feed My Starving Children, a global charity organization located in Aurora, Ill. This collaborative effort brought together Local 701 Business Representatives, staff, members and their families, contributing to the annual IAM HELPS Program organized by Local 701.

“IAM Local 701 is leading the way to better the lives of working families in so many ways,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “The Local 701 H.E.L.P.S. event is growing year over year as more members turn out to give back helping a great organization with a global impact. Thank you to all of our Local 701 membership, family and friends who took the time to help a worldwide community of families in need.”

Engaging in hands-on volunteering at FMSC provided Local 701 members with a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of hundreds of children and families across the world. Participants volunteered their time to hand-packaging rice, soy, dry vegetables, and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals into sealed bags. These bags were then boxed and shipped to partners across the globe.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Local 701 Directing Business Representative Mark Grasseschi expressed the effect that Feed My Starving Children has on families worldwide.

“The donations from this organization have life-changing impacts for those who receive them,” Grasseschi stated. “Addressing the issue of hunger is an inspiring mission, and we take pride in supporting their efforts.”

During the event, Local 701 members successfully packaged a total of 210 boxes, with each box containing 36 bags of nutritional food. This generous contribution translates to providing more than 124 children with a daily meal for an entire year, totaling over 45,000 meals packaged. Local 701 extends its gratitude to all members who volunteered their time, making the IAM HELPS event both possible and highly successful.

The IAM Midwest Territory “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” initiative stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing and Servicing.

For more information on IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community, click here.

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IAM District 776 hosted its 11th annual Robert Martinez Jr. Invitational Golf Tournament at Squaw Creek Golf Course. The event raised an astounding $94,000 for Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC), a charity close to the hearts of IAM members.

The tournament saw participation from many members of the IAM’s leadership team, including then Resident General Vice President, now International President Brian Bryant, General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, retired Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace, and current Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin, who was then the Southern Territory Chief of Staff. 

IAM District 776 President and Directing Business Representative Paul Black and Vice President and Event Coordinator Anna Ritchey led the district in organizing the charity tournament.

Additionally, several Grand Lodge Representatives from different territories, along with multiple district and local leaders and members joined in the event to show their support. 

Local 776 A member Joni Schug’s restaurant, Double J BBQ, catered the event, making the day even more special.

The top three teams won prizes and prizes were also awarded to exceptional performances for “closest to the pin” and longest drive.

The heartwarming event featured a guide dog recipient who serenaded participants with “God Bless America,” and a military veteran and service dog recipient who delivered a poignant speech about reclaiming her sense of normalcy with the support of her service dog, expressing gratitude towards GDA | TLC.

IAM Local 2916 members with Amentum, including Zavier Myles, Katie Gamez, Andrew Espinoza, and Paul Tran, volunteered their time and effort to help the event run smoothly. From setting up tables to selling raffle tickets and providing refreshments, they added their hands to pull the event together.

“I was impressed with the support and participation for the event by all levels of the union. Not only were members volunteering, but family and friends of members also volunteered their time,” said Katie Gamez, a proud IAM Local 2619 member working at Amentum. “It made me proud to be part of an organization that is so dedicated to helping people through Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.”

GDA | TLC President Russ Gittlen also addressed attendees, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from IAM members. 

“I was happy to participate and will definitely be helping out again next year,” said IAM Local 2916 volunteer Paul Tran.

Click for more information on Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines. 

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The IAM’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC), welcomed actress Sarah Drew to an open house at their campus in June as she prepared for the starring role in Hallmark’s soon-to-be released movie Guiding Emily.

Drew, known best for her role in the show Grey’s Anatomy, toured GDA | TLC’s Sylmar, Calif., campus as part of her research for the new project where she plays a newly-blind person receiving her first guide dog.

Commenting before the SAG-AFTRA strike Drew told TVLine, “Shooting Guiding Emily was a deeply moving experience that allowed me to enter into the blind and partially sighted community in a very powerful way.”

“I was also honored to visit the Guide Dogs of America open house the weekend before we started shooting,” said Drew. “I was able to tour the facility and learn all about the process for raising service dogs and the sacrifice puppy raisers make to train them for two years and then send them off to a member of the blind and partially-sighted community.”

Guiding Emily Producer Beth Grossbard first contacted GDA | TLC’s Director of Development & Marketing Zack Gittlen in an effort to find ways to promote the movie within the blindness community. Grossbard quickly realized that Drew needed to be introduced to people in the blindness and guide dog community to perform her role.

Luckily, GDA | TLC was having their open house and invited Drew to attend. Gittlen spent the day with Drew, showing her the facility and teaching her about the making of a guide dog.

“So many times there are movies done about people who are blind or the guide-dog world that contain inaccuracies,” said Gittlen. “Sarah’s willingness to spend a whole day with us shows her dedication to portraying our community as accurately as possible for this film.”

“It means a lot that she spent the time with us to learn about our world,” said Gittlen.

The movie Guiding Emily is based on a book of the same title by Barbara Hinske.

Hallmark Movie & Mysteries will premiere Guiding Emily on Friday, Sept. 8 at 9 p.m. ET.

The post Premiering Soon: Hallmark Movie Influenced By Guide Dogs of America appeared first on IAMAW.

The late IAM Western Territory Grand Lodge Representative Maria Santiago Lillis was a tireless mentor and fierce advocate for workers’ rights, human rights, and social justice, tackling the most contentious issues with grace while treating everyone with dignity and respect.

In order to continue her mentorship and legacy and to encourage all representatives to emulate the extraordinary qualities she exhibited as an IAM representative, the IAM Executive Council has instituted the “Maria Santiago Lillis Advocacy Day – A Commitment to Serve (ACTS).” ACTS takes place each year on August 10, which was Sister Lillis’ birthday. Each year on this day, we will engage in activities to strengthen our commitment to serve and to learn from Representatives who mirror Sister Lillis’ dedication, advocacy, compassion, and fairness. 

WATCH: Maria Santiago Lillis Advocacy Day

This year on August 10, we will honor Maria’s commitment to serving by implementing a Day of Action and Community Service. The goal on this day is for IAM lodges to take action in their communities through service.

Many local lodge women and human rights committees are very involved in community service. Some examples include:

• Adopting a park or beach to clean and beautify
• Volunteering at veterans’ homes
• Having a school supply drive to donate backpacks and school supplies for local school children
• Donating toys to local children’s hospitals
• Donating needed supplies for women’s shelters
• Donations to local food banks
• Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity
• Setting up an event to raise money for the IAM’s own Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines.

Pick a service and act of kindness that would best suit your community and take action!  After your local Day of Action, make sure to share your stories and pictures with IAM Women’s and Human Rights Director Julie Frietchen at jfrietchen@iamaw.org. We want to share your community day of action with all of our union family. Let’s make this a memorable event to honor a memorable IAM Sister.

“Everyone knew that Maria was a champion of justice and fair play – all you had to do was talk to her for a few minutes, and you felt her love and support,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Her mentoring never stopped. She touched so many, and we will always keep her memory alive through a call to service.” 

READ: In Maria’s Honor

“The goal of this day will be to highlight the qualities that made Sister Lillis an outstanding advocate for working families and her commitment to serve,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Her work has left an indelible mark on the labor movement, and we need to carry her torch with the same compassion and dedication in her name.”

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The IAM is joining the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) to help collect donated food in more than 10,000 communities across the country. The 30th annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is set for Saturday, May 14, 2022.

Just leave non-perishable food donations next to your mailbox on May 14 and your mail carrier will take care of the rest. Donations will stay in your community to help those who do not have enough to eat.

Access to nutritionally adequate and safe food is limited or uncertain for 1 in 6 Americans. Many households include single working parents with young children, grandparents helping to raise their grandchildren, college students or households with one parent actively serving in the military.

With more than 50 million people facing hunger every day in America, including nearly 17 million children, this drive is one way you can help those in your community who need help.

If you or your local lodge wants to become more involved, visit the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive Tool Kit webpage by clicking here. On the site, you can help NALC by purchasing union-made grocery distribution bags, print out food drive posters and flyers, and contact your local NALC food drive coordinator.

Capture your hard work on or before Saturday, May 14, by sharing your best photos on social media with the hashtag #StampOutHunger. Your pictures could get posted on one of the official food drive accounts on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The post Help Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger on May 14 appeared first on IAMAW.

Unprecedented winter storms and below-freezing temperatures combined with rolling power outages created a disastrous and deadly situation in Texas and the surrounding area.

This part of the country rarely experiences extreme winter weather conditions such as this, making the circumstances even more dire.

IAM members whose homes sustained weather related damages making them uninhabitable or in need of extensive repairs may qualify for assistance from the IAM Disaster Relief Funds.

If you participate in qualifying Union Plus programs, you may also be eligible for a one-time Union Plus $500 Disaster Grant. (use “Union Plus” in the link, and or their *graphic, see below)

Please keep our IAM Sisters and Brothers in mind during this critical time by donating to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund.

Every dollar you give to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund goes directly to IAM members and their families in need.

Donations are tax deductible. IAM Assistance is a registered IRS 501(3) (c) – Tax ID: 46-2575531 – (IAM Assistance (ID # 46-2575531) is an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.)

The post Help IAM Members in Texas with a Donation to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund appeared first on IAMAW.

Raging wildfires ripped across the entire west coast, leaving behind a path of smoldering ash and char. Up and down the coast families were forced to evacuate their homes and scramble to safety. Also increasing are the confirmed reports of IAM members losing everything they own to the fires.

In addition to thousands of IAM members in the path of the West Coast Fires, IAM members are also busy helping to combat destruction from the fires. IAM and NFFE-IAM Federal District 1 firefighters are working day and night to save lives and property.

“Our prayers are with all our members and their families who find themselves within reach of these deadly wildfires,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Our Union is often called to help cure economic injustices for the oppressed, level the playing field in our democracy, but there is no greater pursuit than helping a Sister and Brother in need. I am appealing to you to help our Brothers and Sisters impacted by contributing to the IAM Disaster relief fund.”

“Our hearts are with all who are dealing with these devastating fires,” said International President Robert Martinez Jr. “I want every member affected by these fires to know their IAM family is here for them and we are willing to help in any way we can. On behalf of the IAM Executive Council, I want to thank our members who have left their families during the midst of a pandemic and put themselves in harm’s way to protect others and work to keep these fires from spreading and wreaking even more havoc. I also encourage anyone with the means to donate to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund and help give assistance to our Brothers and Sisters in need.” 

The IAM Disaster Relief Fund is available for IAM members whose homes have been affected by the wildfires.

If you can, please consider donating to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund.

Every dollar you give to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund goes directly to IAM members and their families in need. Donations are tax deductible. IAM Assistance is a registered IRS 501(3) (c) – Tax ID: 46-2575531.

In conjunction with this occurrence, many face the familiar list of continuing problems associated with, but not limited to; substance abuse and addictions, mental health, stress, anxiety, depression, financial hardship and socioeconomic issues. These serious matters can cause problems by worsening the situation and negatively impacting the quality of life for our members.

If you or your family are battling addiction or need assistance with other EAP issues, please know the IAM has two 24/7 nation-wide helplines.

• IAM EAP Services can be reached by calling 301-335-0735 or by email iameap@iamaw.org.
• IAM Addiction Services can be reached by calling 1-888-250-4IAM (4426).

All calls are confidential.

The post IAM Members Battle Vast West Coast Wildfires appeared first on IAMAW.

The strengthening Hurricane Dorian is expected to make landfall in the southeastern U.S. sometime this Labor Day Weekend, potentially affecting lives in the region for years to come.

Now is the time for those in the hurricane’s path to make preparations for their safety and evacuation, if necessary. This is also a time to remind IAM members about some resources available for assistance.

Preparation: 

Checklist of preparedness supplies

U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Hurricane resources website

NOAA’s National Hurricane Center

FEMA’s Storm surge PSA

Donations: 

The IAM Disaster Relief Fund provides assistance in situations where IAM members and their families endure hardships due to natural disasters. The IAM reacts quickly to these needs before other sources of assistance are able.

Donate to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund.

All IAM members can receive confidential help through the IAM Employee/Member Assistance Program. Our services include, but are not limited to, addictions, mental health, stress, depression and financial hardship. You can reach the confidential IAM Assistance Helpline by calling 301-335-0735 or emailing iameap@iamaw.org.

The post Now is the Time to Prepare for Hurricane Dorian appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM motto is “justice on the job, service to the community.” Attend the IAM Community Services Program September 29 – October 4, 2019 at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD and learn how to help your local fulfill that motto.

Participants will learn how to establish a community services committee at their local and organize lodge events. They will also learn to collaborate with local businesses and non-profits for fundraising efforts to offer visibility for the IAM and increase the union reputation and the labor movement in the community.

Download the call letter and return the completed registration form to the Women, Human Rights, Young Workers and Community Services Department no later than August 2, 2019.

Space is limited, so enroll now.

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Just days after Florence slammed into the North Carolina coast, the monstrous storm’s havoc continues to spread across much of the eastern United States. With a toll of more than 30 lives lost and floodwaters rising, it will take months to assess the brunt of its impact.

Hurricane victims include Machinists Union members and they need help now in the recovery process. You can help your Brothers and Sisters by donating to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund today.

If you are an IAM member affected by the storm, you can apply for assistance from the IAM Disaster Relief Fund here.

If you participate in certain Union Plus programs, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant program.

IAM members can also receive confidential help through the IAM Employee/Member Assistance Program. Services include assistance with addictions, mental health, stress, depression and financial hardship. You can reach the confidential IAM Assistance Helpline by calling 301-335-0735 or emailing iameap@iamaw.org.

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