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Dear Sisters and Brothers: The power of our union rests on a
foundation of strong, educated and active local union leaders. And at all levels
of leadership, our union must reflect the faces of AFSCME today.At the
outset of my campaign for AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer, I noted that ours is a
diverse union – and that our diversity gives us strength. There are, among
others, regional and cultural differences and traditions that must be honored.
At AFSCME, we don’t avoid these differences. We embrace them.That’s why
President McEntee and I have championed the AFSCME Next Wave initiative to
create paths for young and new rank and file members to become activists and
leaders.And that’s why I worked to establish the AFSCME/UNCF Union
Scholars Program, a unique partnership with the United Negro College Fund to
reach out to young people of color who want to join the labor
movement.Throughout my career at AFSCME, I’ve sought to strengthen the
voices of all members with cutting-edge leadership programs for people of color,
immigrants, women and young workers.To move this agenda forward, we need
to continue our relationship with and develop even stronger ties to the
constituency organizations that foster pride, promote tolerance and educate –
organizations such as A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), Asian Pacific
American Labor Alliance (APALA), Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU),
Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), Labor Council for Latin American
Advancement (LCLAA) and Pride At Work. These groups consist of committed,
energetic members who represent the future of the labor movement.Over
the years, AFSCME has fought vigorously to secure equal pay for women, to end
discrimination against men and women because of their sexual orientation and to
level the playing field for people with disabilities. The explanation is simple,
yet deeply felt: An injury to one is an injury to all.Because of our
efforts, AFSCME has become the strongest and boldest union in the American labor
movement. That is exactly what our members deserve. I’m proud of what we stand
for and what we have accomplished together, and I am committed to building on
all we have achieved to create a vibrant future for our members and the services
they provide.As we move closer to the election for Secretary-Treasurer,
I am profoundly grateful to the more than 400 AFSCME Councils, Locals and
leaders who have embraced my candidacy (http://www.unitedforlee.com/united-lee)
-- a number that grows every day. Please stay in touch with my campaign at www.unitedforlee.com
and on Facebook. 
 In Solidarity,Lee Saunders