USW: From the President to Mother Jones

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	From the President to Mother Jones

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11:30 am The first-time delegates are introduced to a special welcome to the conference and bring them through the events taking place during the week.
	"Tommy" Martinez from Local 1010 in District 7 felt the biggest challenges facing union members was the ability to stick together and be unified in their fight.
First timer, Sheila MacDonald from Local 9302 in District 3 had to overcome the expense to attend the conference. Coming from a smaller local in Alberta, Sheila received help from her area council. Sheila would like to see union members become more involved in the Canadian political scene.
	Sara Ingram from Local 850L in District 9 felt that the biggest challenges facing union members was keeping jobs here, "that’s why we need to bring back that the "Made in America" sign.
Traveling all the way from the Northwest Territories in Canada, Marija Babic, from Local 8646 in District 3 was interested to see what issues are faced by other women in North America. She believes the present government is lacking in their support of day care to help single and married women to get more involved in unionism and politics.

As this session closed, USW Assistant to the President and Director of Women's Issues, Sharon Stiller welcomes members from our new alliance union, the Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy International Union (PACE).

1:00 pm USW President, Leo W. Gerard is an instant draw for pictures with the groups from across North America. Never one to turn down time to speak with members, Leo enjoys some lighthearted moments. From L-R is Marilyn Brown (LU1055), Melinda Haggard (LU 1155), Royse Keele (LU 1155) and Debi Link (LU 1155). Hiding in behind is Tammy Lockhart (LU 1155).
	1:15 pm In an unexpected rise from the past, "Mother Jones" (Sharon Stiller, USW Assistant to the President) makes her appearance, leading her entourage, the "Pie Pan Players."
Addressing the delegates, Mother Jones greets the Women of Steel shouting "Women of Steel Don’t Take No Hell."
	Lead by "Mother Jones", the Pie Pan Players lift the spirits with their rendition of where our governments are failing to address women's issues and concerns.
The crowd of over 500 Women of Steel raised from their chairs and applauded to the many statements of "Mother Jones."
	True to her form, Mother Jones" welcomes and introduces the "young" man that leads the Steelworkers and Women of Steel, United Steelworker President, Leo W. Gerard.
A standing ovation greets the USW President as he shares his support and his appreciation for all the work done by Steelworker women.
	2:30 pm Gerard tells his audience, "Having women play an active role in our union is something men are going to have getting used to." He continues by telling them, "Health care for every citizen ought to be the next civil rights issue for the next decade."
Gerard stated, "Health care should be a right for every citizen and not just the privileged." President Gerard introduced the next special guest, the Former Governor of New Hampshire, the Co-Chair for the John Kerry Presidential Campaign - Jeanne Shaheen.

2:30 pm Former New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen stated, "We are going to need your help in building a grassroots army. We need to restore the manufacturing base in our country and we must make sure every child has health insurance.
	Gov. Shaheen stressed five points members should do before the election: 1. Make sure you are registered to vote and get everyone you know to vote. 2. Put a call in to "Talk Radio" and tell them what you think – correct the record – and write letters to the editor of your newspaper. 3. See what the issues are.Go to http://www.johnkerry.com. 4. Talk to your friends and family why the race is important. 5. Be an activist and support your union!

4:45 pm District 7 Women of steel delegates led by District Director Jim Robinson celebrate as they proclaim that they have served as the largest district group to attend the conference. Delegates left their district meetings to a well deserved supper. 7:00 pm Special interest group workshops began covering a variety of topics. 1. Volunteer Organizing 2. Building Strength 3. Rapid Response 4. Tearing Down Barriers 5. Moving Into Non-Traditional Jobs 6. Working Toward Local Union President or Greiver 7. Women of Steel editors Board