Any discussion of political action starts with this rock-hard premise: "HGEA members elect their bosses." We must remember that:

• Politicians have the final say on your contract.
• Politicians pass budgets that affect your job.
• Politicians can change collective bargaining.
• Politicians enact laws affecting your family and community.

But you can make a difference! By voting with HGEA, you are saying that your job, benefits, retirement and ultimately your family’s welfare, are your top priorities. A better life for you and your family. That's why political action is the union's priority and that's why it should be your priority.

What do we do?

The HGEA Political Action Committees (PACs) plan and develop the union's comprehensive political action and education programs. Committees are formed at the state and island division levels. Candidate endorsement begins with island division PAC members conducting a screening process, which entails a thorough review of questionnaires, informal talks and official interviews of candidates for public office during election years. The island division recommendations then move to the State PAC and then the Board of Directors for approval. Working with staff, the committees plan and coordinate campaign activities such as phone banks, house-to-house canvassing, mailouts, sign waving and rallies.

HGEA already has an oustanding history of legislative accomplishments, including:

• Five-day work week (1941)
• Funeral leave (1955)
• Unlimited sick leave accumulation (1959)
• 40-hour work week (1959)
• Equal pay for equal work (1961)
• Health Fund dental benefits (1965)
• Retirement credit for unused sick leave (1975)
• Staggered work hours (1977)
• Deferred compensation plan (1981)
• Fully paid children's dental and group life insurance (1991)

How can I participate?

It is fun and easy to participate in HGEA's political activities. Check the Calendar for current and future political activities, such as phone banks, sign waving, house-to-house canvassing, and rallies. You can also let HGEA know your interests by downloading the HGEA Political Action Volunteer Form. Fill it out and submit it to your union agent or HGEA office. (NOTE: You must have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view and print the form. Download the form by clicking here.)

How can I contribute?

HGEA also highly encourages its members to contribute to the PEOPLE program. As an affiliate of AFSCME, HGEA receives essential monetary funds to help support the campaigns of the union's selected political candidates. These funds are provided through P.E.O.P.L.E. (Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality). It is AFSCME's political, legislative and most importantly, fundraising arm and because it is subsidized solely through voluntary contributions by members, we need your help!

Contributing to PEOPLE is the difference between having things happen to you, and making things happen. It is your voice and your way to help elect the right candidates into office, ultimately affecting your future wages, benefits and working conditions. And it’s easy to participate! You can choose to give a one-time contribution -OR- simply authorize payroll deduction at the "MVP level" ($8.40 per month) and you’ll receive a FREE jacket!

Plus, for each additional year of your continued membership, you will also get the following FREE gifts:

• Second Year: Goldtone pen and pencil set
• Third Year: AFSCME green sweatshirt
• Fourth Year: Large canvas weekender bag
• Fifth Year: Windbreaker style jacket with special logo
• Tenth Year: Green polo shirt
• Fifteenth Year: Green fleece jacket

Incentives will also be given to those who sign up other members at the MVP level! So although $8.40 a month may not seem like much, but that's all we need to help the fight to keep worker rights! Be a "PEOPLE person!"

To contribute, simply download the PEOPLE Payroll Deduction Authorization Form, fill it out, and submit it to your union agent or local HGEA office. (NOTE: You must have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view and print the form. Download the form by clicking here). Current contributors can increase to the MVP level by submitting an authorization form with their new information. Contributions or gifts to AFSCME PEOPLE are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.