Community Activities and Assistance

The unions’ participation in community activities fosters a mutually beneficial relationship. The union builds a support base and the community is the benefactor of our good will. Community activism helps build stronger unions, strengthens the community, and develops an environment that supports working families. These activities often generate increased membership interest, which often leads to members participating with APWU in other facets of the labor movement.

Volunteer or find assistance

There are a number of ways for APWU members to help out or be helped out.

The AFLAC Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is one of the largest pediatric cancer centers in the United States and treats the nation’s largest patient load of sickle cell anemia.

The AFL-CIO Working for America Institute is a union-sponsored, nonprofit organization dedicated to creating good jobs and building strong communities.

The American Red Cross provides humanitarian services.

The Arc of the United States works to build inclusive programs in every community for all children and adults who have cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.

Covenant House is the largest privately-funded childcare agency in the United States, providing shelter and service to homeless and runaway youth.

Domestic Violence Hotline provides information and assistance to victims (men & women) of domestic violence.

The Gladney Center is an international leader in adoption and maternity services specializing in international and domestic adoptions.

Goodwill Industries International serves people with workplace disadvantages and disabilities by providing job training and employment services, as well as job placement opportunities and post-employment support.

The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind provides guide dogs free of charge to blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence.

The National Alliance for Mental Illness works to achieve equitable services and treatment for the more than 15 million Americans touched by severe mental illnesses.

National Coalition for the Homeless’ mission is to end homelessness.

ProLiteracy Worldwide is a nonprofit international literacy organization teaching adults to read.

Reading is Fundamental is the nation’s largest nonprofit children’s literacy organization.

The Special Olympics program provides year-round sports training and athletic competition to people with intellectual disabilities.

The Union Plus benefits were selected by union members, for union members.

The United Way and Organized Labor work together in a number of community outreach programs.

Veterans’ Organizations. See veterans’ page.

Volunteers of America helps people at risk: youth, the elderly, abused and neglected children, people with disabilities, homeless individuals, and many others.

The YMCA is the largest not-for-profit community service organizations in America, working to meet the health and social service needs of 18.9 million men, women and children across America.

The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world.

Youth Resources

Federal Emergency Management Agency — Where young people can learn about natural disasters and get homework help, featuring puzzles and games.

How and Why People Join Unions — An AFL-CIO site.

Junior Achievement Worldwide — An organization that encourages hands-on experiences to help young people understand the economics of life.

Reading Is Fundamental is the nation’s largest nonprofit children’s literacy organization.

Special Olympics for Kids — The Special Olympics program provides year-round sports training and athletic competition to people with intellectual disabilities.