"Reclaim the Spirit" of a caring community

The last time I walked from a union office with a group of people I was in New London, carrying a picket sign to demonstrate against a hospital that had forgotten it was supposed to be a part of the community.  It was cold!
Sunday morning I walked from our union office with a group of volunteers from the Backus Federation of Nurses and the Security and support staff unions (AFT and SPFPA) to the Chelsea Parade green in Norwich to help set up for the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut's Walk Against Hunger. It was warm and beautiful!

Close to 400 people walked the 2.5 mile route to raise money and awareness of those who are "food insecure", meaning they do not know where their next meal comes from.
The Gemma E Moran United Way/Labor Food Center was the recipient of the donations. They service 20,000 people in the reagion through their support of 96 permanent soup kitchens, food pantries, mobile food vans, and other services.
uwsect.org/food-center

Our participation in the walk was consistent with the AFT "Reclaim the Spirit" movement, in this case the spirit of a caring community.
It is our belief that the care we provide does not end at the walls of the hospital.  We are a part of the community and it is a part of us.  If one brother or sister in the community is hungry, or otherwise in need, it is our obligation to act.
That is why we have partnered with the United Way to help at events like this and the food drives we have done.
That is why we continue to look for ways to connect with our community neighbors.