WOMEN'S CONFERENCE SCHEDULED APRIL 1-3; NOMINATIONS FOR THE IRENE CARR LEADERSHIP AWARD DUE FEB 1

Former Statewide Secretary Irene Carr
speaks out on issues important
to working women, circa 1980s.
(photo provided)

 Albany, N.Y.--  Do you know a CSEA member who takes the lead, speaks out and makes a difference on issues of concern to women and families?  Nominate a member for the Irene Carr Leadership Award today.

Former CSEA Statewide Secretary Irene Carr made it a point to speak out and be a leader in her union in an era when women were largely expected to get the coffee at the workplace.

She ended up shattering the glass ceiling within the union and left in its wake unprecedented opportunities for leadership and advancement for women CSEA members in her own generation and beyond.

Carr, a single mother from Delaware County when she first joined CSEA, became an activist while employed at the State University of New York at Oneonta.

"Irene's accomplishments remade CSEA," President Danny Donohue said. "She tirelessly advocated for women's rights in our union and in our society. She succeeded in bringing about necessary and meaningful changes in our union and in our members' lives."

As one of the first women elected to CSEA statewide office, Carr inspired other union women to pursue leadership positions. More than 30 years later, women hold offices on every level of the union. Carr served as a mentor to many of CSEA's present women leaders.

Carr, one of the few women in a top CSEA leadership position when she was first elected, was determined to play an active role in the union. She urged local and unit secretaries not to act as mere "note-takers," but to play a strong role on their executive boards.

"Irene was the first lady of CSEA," Executive Vice President Mary Sullivan said in a 2004 interview. "She was a true pioneer for women in this union. She paved the way for women to become leaders in CSEA."

Download the nomination form for more information about the criteria for the award and submission guidelines. All nominations must be received by Feb. 1, 2011.

The award will be presented at the CSEA Women's Conference at the Desmond Hotel, Albany, N.Y. from April 1-3.

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Go to the CSEA homepage for a downloadable coupon, fill it out and mail it to the following address:

CSEA Women's Committee
Attn: Membership Department
143 Washington Ave.
Albany, N.Y. 12210