Organized labor developed a working relationship with United Way of America that has lasted for more than 60 years and is grounded in the shared belief that volunteerism is the essence of a democratic society.

A basic principle of the AFL-CIO Community

Services Program is that the union member is, first and foremost, a citizen of the community who cooperates with other citizens in making the community a good place in which to live, work, to raise children and retire.

Over 200 full-time state and local AFL-CIO Community Services Liasions serve as links between state federations and central labor councils and United Ways in 180 communities across the United States.

Key areas of responsibility include:

1. Build local unions and capacity for the central labor council
2. Improve support systems, public and private for workers and their families
3. Provide service to workers and their families
4. Provide service to the community
5. Improve the social and economic conditions of working families to reduce their need for services and assistance

For more information, contact Barbara Royce, AFL-CIO Community Services Liasion, broyce@unitedwayokc.org or 405-236-8441.