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Region 8's Community Action Program took a recess to go and help out at the North Texas Food Bank. We opened crates of food and re-packaged them for hungry families.

The Election Committee is set, though they might take more volunteers, and the official election notice has been sent out.

Monthly membership meetings are the core of democracy in our union. The February 3rd Sunday meeting started the process for electing our officers.

First, NAACP President Derrick Johnson explained that there definitely is a connection between civil rights and labor. As a matter of fact, they are natural allies. And two, just as with other progressive coalitions and allies, we must stay sharply focused on the next five years to turn the tide on the attacks from the right.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who represents most of Seattle and adjoining areas, came to America from India all on her own at 16 years old to attend college at Georgetown University because her parents wanted her to have a good education and opportunities. The first Indian-American in the U.S. House of Representatives, says the term “chain migration” is a derogatory term used to scapegoat immigrants.

Republicans talk a good game. In fact, Sen. Debbie Stabenow said that she thought President Trump might have borrowed her speeches on the campaign trail in 2016 as he wooed workers who wanted something different out of Washington.

“You know what the problem is? You have to do more than talk or have symbols,” Stabenow told delegates at the 2018 UAW Community Action Program (CAP) Conference on Wednesday. “You have to act.”

For instance, she said, Trump promised that on Day 1 of his administration, he would address currency manipulation.

Photo by Jessie Jesson, UAW Local 686

At present, the stock market is doing well and has been since former President Barack Obama’s economic policies -- including the rescue of the domestic auto industry -- brought our nation back from the Great Recession.

“But what good is that if Americans remain in low-wage jobs, can only work part-time or do not have the benefits they need for their families?” Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts asked delegates at the 2018 UAW Community Action Program (CAP) Conference on Wednesday.

Photo by Jessie Jesson, UAW Local 686

About 500 UAW CAP Conference men and women gathered on Wednesday for a breakfast meeting that celebrated women and reminded everyone why this is a pivotal time. 2018 UAW Community Action Program (CAP) Conference on Wednesday.

UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, the mother of two 14-year-old twins, explained that with the turmoil on Capitol Hill, we must not allow crisis to diminish hope.

“Our democracy, the rule of law and institutions that we depend on are under attack. Your vigilance and passion are the most important tools we have to fight back — every single one of you here today,” said U.S. Congresswoman Norma J. Torres, who represents California's 35th Congressional District, speaking before CAP Conference delegates Monday morning.

Reconnecting with voters, rebuilding the infrastructure to elect labor friendly candidates, and concentrating on state and local offices are just some of the ways to fight back against the corporate control of our government, according to panelists at the 2018 UAW Community Action Program (CAP) Conference.

When Republicans took complete control of the government in 2016, most union members understood that workers would take a hit, but we underestimated just how bad it would be, the UAW’s chief lobbyist told political activists Monday.

From attacks on health care, workers’ rights and immigrants to inaction on NAFTA, a lot of awful things are happening in Washington right now, Josh Nassar, the UAW’s legislative director, told delegates at the 2018 UAW Community Action Program (CAP) Conference.