The training was a modified version of a week-long IAF national training, which is widely recognized as one of the most effective leadership development trainings in the country. It was conducted by organizers from around the country and focused on the concepts, skills and practices we’ve found help leaders build institutions and broad-based organizations.

“I learned alot by participating in this training and working with other community leaders,” said 21 LA member, Herman Branford.

“Today’s announcement from the White House is an affirmation of President Obama’s commitment to protecting women’s health and guaranteeing that all women, regardless of where they work or what they earn, will have access to affordable contraception coverage.

“President Obama clearly listened to the concerns of faith leaders, healthcare experts, religious organizations, and women’s health advocates and identified a solution that maintains a commitment to quality healthcare for all women, and respects their personal healthcare decisions, while also respecting religious freedom. Every American, regardless of their employer, will be treated the same under the healthcare law. As a union, we bring together women and men of all faiths and all walks of life, all united by the unshakeable belief in equality and respect for every person.

“Meanwhile, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has manipulated this situation to launch a further assault on women’s health and workers’ rights. A bill proposed by Rubio would not only deny birth control to the millions of women who work for religiously-affiliated organizations, but it would allow any employer to deny employees birth control coverage on the basis of the employer’s personal religious belief or moral conviction.

“Let me be clear: every American has the right to make personal healthcare decisions with his or her doctor and loved ones. Employers have no place in the doctor’s office. “

Things aren’t complicated to Mrs. Henderson, and doing the right thing is simple, which is why Mrs. Henderson is a leader in her union, SEIU Local 21 LA. It makes sense.

Mrs. Henderson is a cook at Dillard University as well as a 21 LA shop steward.

“I wanted to be a part of something that was growing to help other people and the community,” said Mrs. Henderson, who has been a union member for three years. “I sign up my co-workers. I fight for whatever they need. Some of them are scared to talk for themselves and that’s where I come in. I go beyond the call of duty to make sure they get what they need.”

Mrs. Henderson’s service doesn’t end with her coworkers at Dillard University. She helps wherever she is needed.  In the past, she has worked to help Tulane University food service workers

“We have to get everyone on board. Not just the school system. We need city hall workers to fight to make it better. We need all workers to stand up and fight for each other,” Mrs. Henderson said. “If we pull everyone together and get a union for everyone, everyone would be better off.”

The 52-year-old is a maintenance II worker for the City of Baton Rouge, and has been a member of 21 LA for three years.

“I believe in unions,” Hall said. “I’ve been with 21 LA from the beginning ,and I’m going to be here until the end.”

21 LA Members with International President, Mary Kay Henry in New Orleans, January 2012.

21LA member Belinda Antoine met with SEIU President Mary Kay Henry and helped welcome the IEB with a gift from 21lA members. She said that, “It’s great that the IEB are in Louisiana. We did our best to show SEIU leaders both southern hospitality and how coalition building is helping to fight for good jobs in Louisiana. I think the IEB was impressed by how it’s bearing fruit in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.”

21 LA Member Herman Addision and Baton Rouge Organizer Barbara Carter present Mary Kay Henry with a welcome basket.

Mary Kay Henry talking with 21 LA members in New Orleans, January 2012.

WASHINGTON

“Some lawmakers will stop at nothing to shamelessly protect the interests of the 1%. It’s bad enough that millionaires are not paying their fair share while everyday workers shoulder the burden of the economic downturn, but the buck stops at balancing the budget on the backs of children. Eliminating the Child Tax Credit for millions of low-income families would have a devastating impact on the very population that the policy is designed to protect – children.

This proposal represents a frontal attack on Latino families and the communities where they live. More than 80 percent of the families impacted by the proposed tax policy are part of the Latino community – a demographic that is among the hardest-hit in these harsh economic times. Those who have proposed such a reduction are sending a clear message: They are willing to forfeit the financial well-being of low-income Latinos while demanding nothing of the richest segment of our society.

Families that depend on the Child Tax Credit spend their last dollars on bare necessities like childcare, groceries, and housing – vital sources of community funds. Taking this credit away from more than two million families not only takes food from the mouths of millions of U.S. citizen children, but it also stunts the ability of their local communities to function. Any consideration given to a policy that would strip funds from low income communities of color is unconscionable at a time when lawmakers should be developing and enacting initiatives that bolster local economies.

We will not be derailed by the attempts of some to make this debate about anything other than our nation’s children – the future workforce of our country. We will be watching to see who stands with working people and hold those lawmakers accountable who support sacrificing the most vulnerable members of our society for the 1%.”

Lead organizer Barbara Carter opened with a prayer.

Jefferson Parish bus driver, Everett Armand speaks about his experience participating in the “Take Back the Capitol” event in Washington, D.C. in December.

City of Baton Rouge worker, Hubert Wood and 21 LA Treasurer, Kelly Blache, participate in a group activity.

21 LA members at the 2012 Delegates Assembly.

City of New Orleans 21 LA members.

Hundreds of participants staged sit-ins in front of lawmakers’ offices and several hundred more camped out on the National Mall.

For far too long, Congress has been catering to the 1% instead of representing the 99%. We will push Congress to renew unemployment insurance and focus on important budget and tax measures. Now more than ever, Congress needs to see us and hear us.

“I’m going to let my coworkers know it was a historical moment. We protested. We shut down K Street. I’d like our community to do the same thing. We’re here and not going to take it anymore.”– Tiea Silby, School Janitor

“We showed them that we disapprove with the way they are running the country. They are concerned with the rich people and not the poor.”  — Herman Addision, City of Baton Rouge

“It was a learning experience to see how Congress is blindsiding people and not informing the people.” – Everett Armand, Jefferson Parish School bus driver

“The best part was the protest stuff … I was there.” – Quentin LeDuff, City Parish Baton Rouge

“Everyone from different races came together and there was no fussing.” – Belinda Pidgeon, City of Baton Rouge

“What’s going on is similar to the 60’s, the  marches and protests. I’m happy to be a part of that. We walked in the rain. The camaraderie, the cohesiveness …We wanted to make 21 La proud.” – Randy Zwez, City of Baton Rouge

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It’s hard to believe 2011 is over!

In 2011, our local union grew, both in numbers, but also in strength.  Our leaders are stronger.  Our stewards are stronger.  Our staff is stronger.  Relationships with our allies are stronger.  Our plans are stronger.

Local 21 LA leaders have stepped up and taken control!  This year, we set up a Leadership Development Team for members from throughout the state.  This team worked to educate themselves about the economy and current events, met with school reform leaders, and made some important plans for 2012.  Leaders met to prepare for the upcoming Service Employees International Union Convention, identifying ECONOMIC EQUALITY, QUALITY HEALTHCARE, and LABOR RIGHTS as essential components of a Just Society.  Local 21 LA leaders also strongly supported SEIU’s upcoming endorsement of President Obama for re-election.

SEIU Local 21 LA Staff and Executive Board

Local 21 LA is stronger because of our continued commitment to building a permanent and sustained organization of workers in our communities.  In Orleans, Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, and Lafayette, Local 21 LA members are organizing their neighbors, attending community meetings, speaking up at council and school board meetings, and advocating for ourselves, our workers, and our communities.  SEIU Local 21 LA members are part of the 99% that has organized to fight the increasing income gap between the super-rich and everyone else.  Some of our members have participated in Occupy NOLA and Occupy Baton Rouge.  We are partnering with allies in our communities to fight for Good Jobs and Respect and Dignity for working families.

So rest up over the holidays, Brothers and Sisters, because 2012 is a pivotal year! We will continue to deepen our roots, grow our membership, and fight for workers.  And we will participate in our International Convention in May and WORK HARD TO RE-ELECT PRESIDENT OBAMA!

Have a wonderful holiday, a happy and safe new year, and get ready to get busy in 2012!!

In Solidarity,