2015 George M. Growney Scholarship Award Winners Announced; Award Ceremony Slated for June 1

Webster, N.Y.—On Monday, June 1, CSEA Monroe County Local 828 Executive Board, Local 828 Scholarship Committee and CSEA Retirees Local 902 will host the 23rd Annual Scholarship Award Dinner at Liberty Lodge in Finn Park, 850 Maple Dr., Webster, N.Y.

At the picnic supper, Local officers will formally announce the winners of the CSEA Local 828 George M. Growney Memorial Scholarships, Unit 7400 and the Jane McManus Scholarship Award for 2015. This year, $10,000.00 will be awarded to deserving area students whose parents or caregivers are members in good standing of CSEA Monroe County Local 828.

Since 1993, CSEA Local 828 has awarded over $140,000 in scholarship prize money. In 1993, the Monroe County Employees Unit 7400, the largest Unit in the Local, created their own scholarship program and have distributed more than $23,000.

George M. Growney Memorial Scholarships Local 828 & Unit 7400

Mr. Growney was a long time local labor leader and activist. He was employed as a probation officer with Monroe County. He served as local president for nearly two decades before his retirement in 1995. George had a passion for kids to succeed, and would be proud that his union brothers and sisters have carried on his legacy of love and commitment to youth. George M. Growney died on August 10, 1997. The scholarship program was named in his honor in 1998—one year after his passing.

“This is one of the best things we do as union activists,” said Bess Watts, President of Local 828. She added, “It’s very rewarding to know we are helping our young people succeed in life.”

CSEA Local 828 Scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors whose parents and caregivers are members or agency shop fee payers of Monroe County Local 828. The scholarship committees have reviewed thousands of applications in the past 23 years, which demonstrates the significant need of financial resources for young adults continuing their formal education. Scholarships applicants are judged on academic achievement, a written essay, financial need and potential.

Jane McManus Scholarship Unit 7420

Jane McManus

This year, no applicant met the general criteria to win the Jane McManus Scholarship. Therefore, the funds for this year will roll over to the 2016 Scholarship.

In 1974, Jane McManus started her public service career at the Rochester Public Library as a Senior Library Clerk. While a full-time employee, she also worked in the Literature and Local History Divisions. Shortly thereafter, Jane was promoted to part-time Library Assistant while working in the Reynolds Audio-Visual Department of the Central Library. In 1991, she transferred to the Winton Branch Library and has been The Story Lady for over two decades.

In 1993, Jane was appointed to the Part-Time Benefits Committee at the Rochester Public Library. In 1995, Jane was one of the founding members who organized and established CSEA Local 828 Unit 7420. Jane was unanimously elected as the first ever President of the City of Rochester Library Workers Unit, where she remained as President of the Unit until April 2006.

Jane remains active in CSEA serving as a Steward, Contract Negotiations Team member, Grievance Rep, member of the Local 828 Health & Safety Committee, and member of the Local 828 Scholarship Committee. She’s a strong advocate for workers’ rights and childhood education. Her CSEA part time library co-workers in Unit 7420 proposed that a scholarship be named in her honor in 2010. They did so knowing full well that Jane's passion, leadership abilities and vision should be forever acknowledged in perpetuity. After 41 years of public service, Jane is planning her retirement for sometime this fall.

Here is a list of the 2015 Scholarship Award winners:

* Winners in red ink are Unit 7400 winners. Click on image for a larger view.

Rochester Unite For Marriage Rally Slated for Monday, April 27

Rochester, NY will host Unite for Marriage rally April 27

Rochester, NY-- This year, hundreds of local organizers across the country are working to plan events in communities large and small, conservative and liberal, and in all corners of the country to show that America is ready for marriage equality. Once again, Rochester, NY will be on that map. On Monday, April 27 a coalition of local organizations will be sponsoring a rally in front of the Kenneth Keating Federal Building, 100 State Street, Rochester, NY  14614 from 5:00 – 6:30 pm to call for equal protections for all citizens of the United States.

The national strategy to win marriage for same-sex couples has always focused on a final victory at the U.S. Supreme Court. In the past year alone, there have been 65 rulings in favor of marriage for same-sex couples -- clearly demonstrating that the country is ready and that the age-old arguments against the freedom to marry simply don’t survive judicial review.

Finally, the question of whether same-sex couples everywhere can marry will have its day before our nation’s highest court. In January, the Court granted review of cases from four states - Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee – with oral arguments to be held this week. This historic moment follows years of steady momentum, from increasing public support, to four referendum victories in 2012, to even the Court itself, when it denied petitions in five marriage cases in October 2014, thereby allowing the freedom to marry to take effect in 11 states.

Local advocates are raising their voices once more to proclaim it’s time for a national resolution by the Supreme Court when nearly 72 percent of Americans live in a state that grants marriage to same-sex couples. There are now just 13 states without the freedom to marry, and those families continue to face harm and discrimination every single day.

Scott Fearing, Executive Director of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley says when it comes to earning a living, having a place to call home, and sharing in public accommodations, everyone should be treated fairly under the law. He added, “All hardworking people deserve the right to marry and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for their families. Marriage provides that stability for all our working families.”

This event is sponsored in part by The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, The MOCHA Center, Pride at Work, AFL-CIO, Marriage Equality USA-Rochester, Empire State Pride Agenda and New York Civil Liberties Union among others.

ROCHESTER FIGHT FOR FIFTEEN RALLY & MARCH APRIL 15

Rochester, NY -- Let’s face some facts-- wealthy billion dollar corporations and the CEO's who run them dole out poverty wages so they can continue to exponentially line their own pockets. It's time to say, "Enough is Enough!"

We are asking all community members to join us tomorrow at our local Fight for 15 Rally-- and join tens of thousands of other concerned citizens around the country who care about eradicating poverty and reducing income inequality in our local communities. Please join us on Tax Day, April 15, 5:00 pm, at the University of Rochester, Rochester, New York!

In recent years, a growing movement has taken the public's attention calling for higher wages for all people. This movement, initiated by fast food workers has been taken up by airport workers, home health aides, Walmart workers, car wash workers, and thousands more.  We know that we're worth more, and we know that these multi-billion dollar corporations can afford to pay a living wage.

On April 15th, people around the world will make history as we hold rallies and marches demanding higher wages and economic justice in our communities. Thousands of working people will be marching in cities across the globe. We're making history and we're winning!

In Rochester, we will march with low-wage workers, church groups, unions, students, and community groups. Without hundreds of people taking bold, public action, nothing will change. It's time to march, time to chant, time to make our voices heard.

Organizers are requesting attendees to use the parking logistics information at the bottom of this page. The rally is on the Eastman Quadrangle, the Rush Rhees Library is the east end of the Quad. The march will proceed west on Elmwood Avenue to College Town (Mt Hope Avenue – east of UR Medical Center).

Organizations Endorsing Fight For Fifteen, Rochester, New York 

Metro Justice of Rochester
1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East
American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Rochester Area Local 215
Black Rose Anarchist Federation/Federación Anaquista Rosa Negra, Rochester
Buddhist Peace Fellowship Rochester Chapter
Calvary St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Parish
Citizen Action of New York
Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA/AFSCME Local 1000)
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Rochester Chapter
Downtown United Presbyterian Church Social Justice Committee
First Unitarian Church of Rochester Social Justice Council
First Universalist Church Social Justice Committee
Friends of St. Bridget’s
Greater Rochester Community of Churches/Faith in Action Network
Interfaith Impact of New York State
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 86
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 118
National Organization of Women (NOW) Rochester Chapter
New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) Region 3
New York State United Teachers (NYSUT/AFT/NEA)
Pauperis Advocates, Inc
Pride at Work, AFL-CIO Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter
Rochester Alliance of Communities Transforming Society (Roc/ACTS)
Rochester Committee on Latin America (ROCLA)
Rochester Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
Rochester Regional Joint Board - Workers United
Rochester and Vicinity Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Service Employees International Union Local 200United
Sisters of Mercy - New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific West - Justice Team
Sisters of Mercy - New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific West - Leadership Team
Social Welfare Action Alliance Rochester Chapter
The Interfaith Alliance of Rochester (TIAR)
United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Local 1097
United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local One
Worker Justice Center of New York
Working Families Party of New York

Libraries Work Because We Do

National Library Week will be observed April 12-18, 2015 highlighting the theme, "Unlimited possibilities @ your library®." First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and our library workers. All types of libraries -- school, public, academic and special – will be participating again this year. AFSCME and AFSCME NY/CSEA represent more than 25,000 library workers nationwide. 

Celebrations during National Library Week include: National Library Workers Day, celebrated the Tuesday of National Library Week (April 14, 2015), is a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers; National Bookmobile Day, celebrated the Wednesday of National Library Week (April 15, 2015), is a day to recognize the contributions of our nation's bookmobiles and the dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities; and Celebrate Teen Literature Day, celebrated the Thursday of National Library Week (April 16, 2015), is aimed at raising awareness among the general public that young adult literature is a vibrant, growing genre with much to offer today's teens and young adults.

History: In the mid-1950's, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizen’s organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious. They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life."

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!"

Strong Communities Work News April 2015

Eight very good reasons why you should love your public library

AFSCME and CSEA support National Library Workers Day on April 14, 2015.

By Ove Overmyer

President, City of Rochester, NY Library Workers

AFSCME NY/CSEA Local 1000

Monroe County, NY Local 828 Unit 7420

1) Libraries are community cornerstones

Libraries are often referred to as “The People’s University.” They are fantastic community centers too—especially in a world where public space is shrinking rapidly and not everyone can gain access to a formal education. To visit your public library, all you need to do is stroll through our doors or go online. You don’t need to be subjected to an expensive membership fee either—the library is free and open to all walks of life.

Libraries have something to offer everyone no matter what your goals or ambitions – you can find a wonderful, escapist novel to read or a magazine with advice on living a healthier lifestyle. You can get a book to help you with a favorite hobby or learn the skills you need to run a business. You can catch up with current affairs; trace your family history or sign up for a computer class. Libraries truly offer something for every single person, and their barrier free facilities make our communities a more prosperous place to live.

2) A library card gives you access to all kinds of online subscriptions that you can use from home

In Monroe County, NY, you can access a great collection of database reference material and resources from your home or office computer—anytime and anywhere.  These include historic newspapers, magazines, dictionaries and encyclopedias, journals and business publications, arts and literature resources and public documents and other related information. Libraries are accessible 24/7 -- even when you are studying or researching at 3:00 am in the morning.

3) Using the library has never been easier

These days you can manage your library account in person, by telephone or online. You can visit more than 33 libraries of the Monroe County Library System (MCLS) conveniently located in your town or neighborhood, or use our mobile library catalogs or make use of our many online products and services. You can borrow fiction and non-fiction, e-books, audiobooks, magazines, CDs and DVDs as well as using reference services. Library patrons can also borrow low cost passes for entry to our most beloved museums and art attractions. And, if you can’t get to a branch due to a disability or mobility problem, we have an Outreach and Extension service that brings the library to you.

4) Libraries provide fast, easy Internet and PC access as well as free Wi-Fi

Let’s face it—not everyone can afford Internet access and a computer for home or personal use. Also, computers are just machines and they can break down from time to time. Need to scan a document or check your social security income status? Have you missed a few days catching up with friends and family on Facebook? Do you need to apply for unemployment insurance of find the right tax form? You can do all of this and more right here at your public library.

5) Buying all the latest bestsellers and music is not in my budget

The Monroe County Library System is one county one card—which means that every library card holder has access to over 2 million items to borrow. Using your library card can also save you a load of money on leisure and entertainment expenses– and we haven’t even mentioned the low cost savings when borrowing e-books, music and DVD rentals. For an incredibly small handling fee, you can also get most library items in the MCLS catalog sent to your neighborhood library in just a matter of days.

6) Libraries connect people and communities of interest

Libraries can help you keep up with your interests, hobbies and current affairs. Whether it’s attending a book talk, community forum, a health lecture, or finding out the latest neighborhood or political news—you can access all this information right here at your public library.

7) Libraries provide essential, reliable information to help you achieve your goals

You know what they say, “Google can get you a million answers. However, a unionized librarian will give you the right one.” It must be stated, what makes a good library become a great library is it's workforce. Collections alone do not make a great library-- it's the expertise of the people who serve our communities that make libraries extra-special institutions that improve our quality of life.

The local public library can help you with personal goals like creating a better fitness regime or a learning how to live a healthier lifestyle. It can offer resources for learning a new language, improving your literacy or mastering English as a second language. You can find out how to do important business tasks like accounting, project management or look for a higher paying job. At your public library, you can learn more about your ancestors, understand how to manage a medical condition, improve your computer skills, and find out how to write an effective cover letter. Whatever personal interests you may have, your public library has the potential to transform your life.

8) You’ll never know what you’ll find until you look

Never underestimate the joy of surprise. One of the greatest pleasures of browsing the public library is the fact your expectations are always matched or exceeded. Whether you walk through our doors or visit us virtually on one of our many online social media platforms, a world you never knew existed is waiting for you around the next corner. It’s this thrilling sense of wonderment and potential that makes library fans love their libraries so much. From learning about a great new author or meeting special friends at a book talk-- there is always something stimulating, wonderful and unexpected waiting for you at your local public library.

NYS library systems get boost in aid

NYS library advocates are celebrating an increase in state aid for NYS Budget FY 2015-16.
Photo by Ove Overmyer

NYS library services get boost in aid

By Ove Overmyer

A big thank you is in order. General New York State Library Aid has been increased by $5 million (5.8 percent) from $86.1 million to $91.1 million for fiscal year 2015-16. Last year aid was increased by only $1 million (1.2 percent). Historically, library funding proposed by the NYS Executive Branch has been insultingly low-balled— however, thanks to our advocacy efforts the state legislature is now reawakened the fact that strong library systems are critical for local communities to grow and prosper.

Our local delegation gets it. They are good at what they do. And, for those who love library services this is a fantastic development. That being said, NYS library advocates are looking toward the future. In the coming months, we will be asking our state legislators to restore library funding to state mandated levels dictated by constitutional formulas.

Additionally, the $1.3 million MTA tax offset was again included in the budget bill. All libraries and public library systems will be permanently EXEMPT from the MTA tax. The $14 million public library construction grant program was again included in the budget bill. This is really good news for MCLS libraries presently under construction or renovating their facilities.

I want to personally thank all my friends and colleagues who picked up the phone or met with our state representatives during this budget session. Special thanks to Joe Robach, Assemblymember Harry Bronson, Joe Morelle -- and all of the Rochester & Monroe County delegation. Our ability to come together and take positive action to improve upon the delivery of our library programs and services will no doubt transform the lives of the people we serve. Advocacy is not for the faint of heart. It's a 24/7 year round endeavor. Thanks again for all your support on behalf of those folks who love our libraries.

Overmyer is President, City of Rochester Library Workers Local 828 Unit 7420