NATCA Bookshelf

TRISH GILBERT LEGISLATIVE ACTIVISM AWARD M E E T I N G T I P S There are no permanent friends, and there are no permanent enemies when you're working on public policy issues. Never think that a member won't support you because of one position they've taken. via cq roll call In 2009, NATCA established the National Legislative Activism Award to be presented at NATCA in Washington. The following year, the award was renamed for one of NATCA's most effective activists, Trish Gilbert. Gilbert set the standard and defined what it means to be a legislative activist in this Union. The award was appropriately renamed for her incredible work ethic, drive to take NATCA from "good" to "great," and the inspiration she is to others. Previous winners of the award include Jason Arnold (2015), Toby Hauck (2014), Mitch Herrick (2013), Betsy Beaumont and AnnMarie Taggio (2012), Brody McCray (2011), Mark Griffin (2010), and Linda Miller (2009). It is significant to remember that only two of the previous winners served on the National Legislative Committee. All others were activists who were inspired by NATCA's legislative vision and stepped up to do extraordinary work. They didn't have legislative titles, just a passion to better serve the Union through their legislative efforts. That is what makes our Union so effective. Some of the work past winners were recognized for includes: • Organizing a drive to register voters, • Establishing relationships within their state to defeat a bad facility consolidation during the White Book, • Organizing PAC drives around the region to educate NATCA's membership. NATCA also honors activists from each region as chosen by their Regional Vice President. These NATCAvists have devoted a lot of time and energy to building congressional relationships, educating other members about NATCA's legislative efforts, and advancing legislation important to NATCA. Each region will award this year's winner in their regional breakout meetings on Monday, May 23. Will you be next year's winner of your region's Legislative Award or the Trish Gilbert Legislative Activism Award? Paul Rinaldi, Trish Gilbert, Jason Arnold, Steve Weidner 9

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