More Than 400 Gather In Las Vegas For The Largest Ever
National AFRAM Leadership Development Conference
   

 

On April 10 -13, 2005, 405 AFRAM members representing 44 locals from across the nation gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada to attend the 2005 National AFRAM Leadership Development Conference.  The Conference provided an opportunity for members to network, attend workshops and participate in meaningful discussions regarding the future of AFRAM and people of African descent.  View Conference Photos
 

 

"Social and Economic Justice...From Theory to Practice"
Conference Highlights

 

  Saturday, April 9

The National AFRAM Executive Board met to consider resolutions submitted.
 

Sunday, April 10

More than 300 members attended the Town Hall Meeting, “Future of the Labor Movement”, moderated by John (JJ) Johnson, President, Eastern Region African American Caucus.  The presenters were Tom Woodruff, Executive Vice President, SEIU and Bill Fletcher, President, TransAfrica Forum.


SEIU Local 722 and the Center for Responsible Lending sponsored the Opening Reception on Sunday.  Khalid Saalam, AFRAM National Executive Board, served as Master of Ceremony for the event.
 

Monday, April 11

Conference called to order by Linda Joseph, AFRAM Western Region Chair.


Distinguished Panelists shared their various views and perspectives on "Social and Economic Issues Facing Black America".  The panelists also facilitated the workshops on Social and Economic Justice.


Luncheon and Special Presentation sponsored by International Executive Board Members of African Descent.  Tyrone Freeman and Ralph Williams - Masters of Ceremony.


AFRAM Conference/Regional Meetings - Regional Officers Elected.
 

Tuesday, April 12

Call to Order by Rod Bashir, President, AFRAM Central Region, Master of Cermony.


Review of Constitutional  Amendments

Conference delegates voted to adopt the following constitutional proposals:

  • Mission statement to support social, economic and political justice within our workplace, or communities, our nation and within our union.
     

  • One membership level.
     

  • Increase annual membership dues to $20.00 effective January 1, 2006.
     

  • Restructure the dues rebate, National caucus $10.00 Regional Caucus $8.00 Local/Area Caucus $2.00.  The rebates shall be paid by May 1st of each year, based on dues collected by March 31st of each year.
     

  • Increase accountability of officers.  Each local, area, and regional caucus must provide the name of the caucus, list of officers (including address, phone number and e-mail) and frequency of held meeting to the National Secretary annually.
     

  • Local and Area Caucuses must meet at least four times annually and submit all minutes and the most current written financial report to the National Secretary.
     

  • Standing National Committees of the Caucus are:  Ways and Means Committee and Publication/Communication Committee.
     

Election of National Officers for the 2005 - 2009 term. 

  • President - Marchel Smiley - SEIU Local 722 Washington, D.C.

  • Treasurer - Peggy Watts - SEIU Local 790 Oakland, CA

  • Secretary - Denise McMahon - SEIU Local 1991 Miami, FL
     

General Session - "Globization and People of African Descent"
                              "The International Labor Movement"
 

Guest Speaker, former Light Heavyweight Champion of the World Eddie Mustafa Muhammad shared his struggle and continuing efforts to obtain employment related  benefits for the boxing profession.


Award Dinner Dance - Marchel Smiley, Master of Ceremony.  Keynote speaker for the evening, Fred Mason, President, Maryland/D.C. State Federation AFL-CIO.
 

Wednesday, April 13


Call to Order by Ella Raiford, National Executive Board.

Report of the Treasurer, Peggy Watts

Report of the Secretary
          Resolutions - The Delegation brought forth one (1) resolution.
          Conference Evaluation Forms Distributed

Open Mike (Question and Answer Session)

Adjournment of the National AFRAM 2005 Leadership Development Conference
 

  

 

A WORD OF THANKS AND APPRECIATION

 
To all those who contributed in any way to the success of this conference, we express our sincere 
gratitude and appreciation!  Special thanks to the International, members of the International staff, 
SEIU IEB members of African descent, Johnny Stake, and SEIU Local 722.

 

 

AFRICAN AMERICAN 
IEB MEMBERS
 
 
13,300.00
 
SEIU LOCAL 722
 
11,400.00
 
 
SEIU LOCAL 32BJ
 
 
$2,000.00
 
SEIU LOCAL 1
 
$2,000.00
 
 
SEIU LOCAL 1000    
$2,000.00
 
 
SEIU LOCAL 4    
$2,000.00
 
 
SEIU LOCAL  1199 NY
 
$2,000.00
 
SEIU LOCAL 79
 		 $2,000.00 
CENTER FOR RESPONSIBLE LENDING  
 
$2,000.00
 
UHW
 		 $2,000.00 
SEIU LOCAL 434B 

$1,500.00

 
 
SEIU LOCAL 715

$1,500.00

 
 
SEIU LOCAL 617

$1,500.00

 
 
SEIU 1199W/UP

$1,000.00

 
 
SEIU ILLINOIS COUNCIL

$1,000.00

 
 
SEIU LOCAL 535

$1,000.00

 
 
NY STATE  PUBLIC EMPLOYEES FEDERATION
 
 
$500.00
 
SEIU LOCAL 500
 
$250.00

 

Conference Attendees

Four hundred five (405) members representing forty-four (44)SEIU Locals attended the Conference.  

   

One hundred eighty-eight (188) members from nineteen (19) SEIU Locals were represented in the Western Region.

 

One hundred forty (140) members from eleven (11) SEIU Locals were represented in the Eastern Region.

Fifty-nine (59) members from eleven (11) SEIU Locals were represented in the Central Region.

 

Eighteen (18) members from three (3) SEIU Locals were represented in the Southern Region.
 

Conference Evaluation Results

To assist us in planning future conferences, members were asked to rate the overall quality of the conference and share ideas with us about what we are doing right and what we could do better.   Your concerns, opinions, and suggestions are very much appreciated.  THANK YOU for completing and returning seventy-five percent (75%) of the Conference Evaluation Forms distributed.  Every workshop overall received outstanding reviews, and we are thankful for a job well-done by the presenters.  Listed below are some of your comments:

 

“Speakers were on point, informative and educational with future vision!”

 

 

“The best part of the conference was the workshop on responsible lending.  Some people will never be able to get a home.  That workshop was the best.”

 

 

“This being my first conference, I was very impressed and well informed on many issues.  I appreciate being a part of this organization.  I look forward to attending the next conference.”

 

 

"This is my first AFRAM conference, I deeply enjoyed the vast amount of information I received during the conference especially concerning youth leadership.”   

 

 

“We are on the right track by embracing the youth into our field.  They are our future leaders and we must mentor them, develop their talent in the ways in which we are to go.   This is an area that has been a passion of mine for years especially since I have had my 5 grandchildren involved in SEIU for 7 years.  The effort that was put into this conference should be commended.  Each conference keeps getting BETTER!!!  Contact Local 2028 for anything you feel we can do.”

 

 

“I have attended all of the AFRAM conferences and this conference has been the very best conference yet.  We are definitely on the move.”

 

 

“The conference was very educational about the goals we must achieve to win better wages and living conditions for every person in SEIU.”

 

 

“In the future could scheduling allow attendance in two workshops?”

 

 

“Each time I attend a AFRAM conference I always get a better understanding of SEIU and AFRAM.  Marchel has done a great job as chair.”

 

 

”I would like more basic information on the history of the caucus movement in SEIU and have a new caucus member orientation workshop for all.”

 

 

“By viewing the work of other members from across the country it has encouraged me to be a better member and to do a better job within the Local and AFRAM.”