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.

How can I participate?

It is fun and easy to participate in HGEA's political activities. And it’s a great new way to meet your fellow HGEA members. If you have questions regarding political action activities, please contact Michele Kurihara-Klein at mkurihara@hgea.org.

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, as an MVP, with every dollar you contribute that is deposited into the AFSCME PEOPLE account, you earn a Rewards point. Points can be redeemed for incentives from a variety of items in an online catalogue full of union-made, made in America merchandise. Choose from clothing to sporting goods and more, based on the amount of Rewards points you accumulate by contributing to AFSCME PEOPLE.

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.) 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.

Elections 2012

Click here to visit our special Elections 2012 websie.