“I want my kids to grow up with a sense of civic duty. I want them to understand that average people can make a difference,” says AFT Local 3220 Organizer Claiborne Hill. When she isn’t working for the Teaching Assistants Association, Hill volunteers her time with the Labor 2010 program in order to ensure that candidates who will stand with working families are elected.
On Saturday, October 16th, Hill and her four children, ages five through eleven, went straight from a morning soccer game to an afternoon Labor Walk. “We might move a bit slower than other member-to-member walk teams, with the stroller and the extra potty breaks, but this is important work and we enjoy doing it together.”
“Corporate special interests have a disproportionate influence on our democracy, especially now that Supreme Court has ruled that their advertising dollars are free speech,” laments Hill. “Fortunately, the labor movement is vibrant. We are willing to take a position and do the real work that is necessary to win elections.”
Hill is troubled by the automatic, anti-incumbent mood that hangs over this election. She reminds the union members that she visits that the AFL-CIO endorsed candidates have positive voting records on working family issues.
Senator Russ Feingold has strongly and consistently opposed trade policies that send Wisconsin jobs overseas, and he worked to hold Wall Street accountable for the economic collapse. Similarly, gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett voted against NAFTA as a Congressman, and as Milwaukee Mayor he has fought to create family-wage jobs in spite of the slumping economy.
“Both Russ Feingold and Tom Barrett have been tested, and we know that they will do the right thing for working people. Now we have to stand with them and reciprocate that loyalty.” Hill concludes, “There is so much misinformation circulating with the intention of discouraging workers so that they won’t vote. We have to remind union households how much is at stake. Progress is still possible if we act.”
With only two weeks left until Election Day, it is high time to get your working family involved. Contact your local Service Area Organizer to volunteer with Labor 2010.
(Top Photo: Claiborne Hill of AFT Local 3220 with her children (from left to right) Elinor Hill-Gorman, age 8; Finn Hill-Gorman, age 5; Esme Hill-Gorman, age 7; and Henry Hill-Gorman, age 11. Bottom Photo: Mom knocks while Esme and Elinor stand ready with Labor 2010 fliers. Credit for Both Photos: Sara Wallenfang. For more pictures from the Hill-Gorman family's member-to-member walk, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisaflcio/sets/72157625187253048/with/5091642563/.)
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