• What is CAP
• What CAP Does
• What CAP Doesn't Do!
• V-CAP Check Off
• Local V-CAP Check Off
• The Director's Club
• Why Labor is in Politics
• What You Can Do
What Is CAP
The Community Action Program (CAP) is a department of the UAW International Union. It is not a political party, nor is it tied to any political party. CAP is the nonpartisan political and legislative action arm of the UAW. It endorses candidates for public office on the basis of their record and programs - not their party - utilizing a structure of 160 CAP councils across the nation and acting upon their recommendations and endorsements.
Presidential and Vice Presidential endorsements are made by the International Executive Board of the UAW with input from CAP Committees across the nation. Endorsements for State offices are made by the recommendations of the UAW State CAP Councils. This way there is a CAP Council working at every level of government.
Many people think we are trying to tell them how to vote. This is not the case. A lot of our Members think that part of their Union dues goes to Political groups, which is also is not the case. Only the money collected from V-CAP goes to candidates and all V-CAP money is voluntarily donated.
Back to Top What CAP Does
CAP helps to register Union Members and their families so they can vote and make their voices heard.
CAP distributes the voting records of elected Representatives and helps educate Union Members on the issues so they can be informed voters.
CAP endorses candidates on the basis of their voting records and/or their programs - not on the basis of their party affiliation. We also interview candidates and ask them to fill out questionnaires to help in the endorsement process. The UAW CAP supports candidates who support us.
CAP conducts annual voluntary dollar drives and V-CAP Check Off solicitations asking each Union Member to contribute to UAW V-CAP. Here in Region 8 Members can now also join the Director's Club through V-CAP Check Off or through direct voluntary contributions.
CAP can contribute to endorsed candidates for the US House and Senate only from funds collected through UAW V-CAP. Federal law prohibits the use of dues funds as contributions to candidates for federal and some state offices.
CAP urges every Union Member and voting age member of his or her family to vote.
CAP promotes and lobbies for legislation and policies that support working families.
CAP political work in states and communities is done by Union Members and their families who put in many hours on the telephone registering Members, going door-to-door in neighborhoods to find out how Members feel about issues and candidates, and getting out the vote on election day.
In addition, CAP involves itself in many local community projects helping to bring about a better quality of life where our Members work and live.
Back to Top What CAP Doesn't Do!
CAP does not tell anybody how to vote.
CAP does not force or require any Union Members to contribute to it.
CAP does not use dues money to make contributions to federal or state candidates (only money raised from V-CAP drives can be used).
CAP does not make Union Members participate in its programs in their Local Union or their community.
Back to Top V-CAP Check Off
The UAW V-CAP Check Off is a voluntary program that allows you to make a modest contribution each month to help your Union support candidates who stand up for American workers, their jobs, and their families.
By law Union dues can't be used to support any federal candidates, and in an ever increasing number of states, any candidate for public office. Our only means of monetary support for many labor-endorsed candidates is voluntary political contributions that are put into the International Union's political action fund, UAW V-CAP.
Back to Top Local V-CAP Check Off
If you are interested in having a voice in how the government is run consider contributing to the V-CAP Check Off. To sign up for V-CAP contact any of the CAP Committee members of your Local. At Local 1590 they are: John DeRito, Blue Lewis, Ken Collinson, Kris Lundberg, Jeff Armstrong, Timmy Lee, or Rick Kern.
Back to Top The Director's Club
By making a voluntary pledge to contribute a set amount either through V-CAP, with a direct contribution; or depending on your location or your active or retired status, a quarterly contribution, it is a way for Members of Region 8 to show support for our V-CAP Check Off Program and at the same time to be recognized for their contribution. Contact any of your CAP Committee members for more information.
Back to Top Why Labor Is In Politics
Labor Unions have always been under constant attack from business, industrial organizations, from state and national legislatures, and often from political leaders. Every time the US Congress or a state legislature opens a new session a flood of bills intended to restrict the rights of workers and their families are introduced.
Workers have learned through bitter experience that there is still a powerful link between the breadbox and the ballot box. Gains won at the Bargaining table or through sacrifice on the picket line can be wiped out by the unwise actions of state or national legislatures and political leaders - that today's wage increase can be erased by taxes or inflation, or that your job can vanish in a wave of unemployment. It is incumbent upon all of us to be committed to defending politically what is gained collectively. Thus, Unions are in politics to help protect the welfare and security of Members and their families.
Everyone is involved in politics whether we like it or not. Here are a few things you may not know:
1) Gas and electric rates are set by the Public Service Commission, who are appointed by the Governor.
2) Workers Compensation laws are determined by the Legislature.
3) Safety inspections fall under The Department of Labor, who are appointed by the Governor.
4) Property laws are set by government officials.
5) The Board of Education makes decisions regarding teachers, buildings, and equipment for our schools.
6) Children's playgrounds are overseen by members of the Parks Commission who are appointed by the Mayor.
7) Unemployment benefits are set by the Legislature whom you elect.
8) All Federal Judges, Supreme Court Justices, NLRB Members (National Labor Relations Board), and Cabinet Members are appointed by the President.
Back to Top What You Can Do
Participate in CAP programs in your Local Union, your community, and your state.
Help with registration and get-out-the-vote (GOTV) programs.
Work to help the election of CAP endorsed candidates.
And whatever we do we should all vote for the candidates that have proven they will continue to stand up for your rights as workers and will endorse legislation that will benefit our families.
If you are interested in getting involved in state and local elections please feel free to contact your CAP Committee members. Once again at Local 1590 they are: John DeRito, Blue Lewis, Ken Collinson, Kris Lundberg, Jeff Armstrong, Timmy Lee, or Rick Kern.
Back to Top |
