My Viewpointby Onorinda Amill
Mutual Benefits Rep.
I would like to begin this article by introducing myself to those union brothers and sisters who are unfamiliar with me and my family. I am a carrier from Parkchester Station in the Bronx and have been a union member since the beginning of my career fourteen years ago. My husband Miguel Amill is a carrier at JAF Station in Manhattan for the last eighteen years. My daughter Alexis calls herself a union member as she partakes in many union activities and enjoys volunteering and participating. My sister-in-law Helen Amill is a carrier at Hellgate Station in Manhattan. You can gather from this information that we have a connection
with the carriers and union brothers and sisters. In addition, we are all shop stewards and I am a part-time officer as well. With great joy, I have become very involved in union activities and so have my family members. I would like to say to those of you standing on the outside looking in, just step in! Do not ask yourself what has the union done for me. Instead, ask what can I myself do to contribute to all that the union provides for my family and other brothers and sisters in unionism? There is so much reward in getting yourself involved instead of sitting around complaining about your shop stewards, paying union dues, or even complaining about the shop stewards collecting for different activities or
functions that your union supports.
Does everyone know who our official fundraiser sponsor is? It's M.D.A., which stands for Muscular Dystrophy Association, directly associated with Jerry's Kids. We have held many activities to raise money for this cause and we are trying very hard to send children to camp. This is a special camp for those kids with "MD" and it provides their family members with a week of much needed time for.themselves but gives the kids a chance to feel normal and participate in activities, arts and crafts. They really have the time of their lives. At our union picnic you can meet some of the local M.D.A. kids or adults in person to see how you have helped those in greater need. Is life not more rewarding when you have the opportunity to contribute to the better quality of life for others?
Again, another opportunity to participate is coming with Branch 36 family and friends at F.D.R. Park in August. Well, this will be a continuing article six times each year when I present my point of view. I invite every brother and sister to write to me about your on-the-job concerns, opinions, and/or ideas, but keep one thought in mind. Get involved. Step in and see for yourselves. Do not just stand by the water fountain. Drink it.
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