Every day elected officials make decisions that affect jobs, benefits, and security. Collective bargaining agreements, wages, benefits, and job security are negotiated and/or presided over by these officials. Therefore, it is critical that NURSES become involved in directing these decisions.

There are many ways to be involved. Some ways we can be involved include: letter writing campaigns, grass roots activities (rallies and informational pickets), media activity/news conferences, meetings with law makers, and lobbying.

Lobbying is building relationships with elected officials for the purpose of influencing governmental decisions which affect us. This has been shown to be a very powerful tool. NAGE and SEIU are world renowned for strong lobbying to protect and enhance workers rights.

For many years, workers have seen there wages, pensions, insurance, and job security attacked. The recent elections, both state and national, appear to be a call for change. Unions are optimistic and are looking forward to progressing workers rights now and for the years ahead. I urge all the members of NAGE R 3-19 to exercise the rights/responsibility to help ensure workers rights.

Please become involved in shaping decisions that can protect workers and their families for generations to come. Remember, the eight hour work day, 40 hour work week, and retirement benefits came from union members exercising their rights. In unity all our goals can be achieved.