District 2 Top Volunteer Profile
USW Jefferson Award Winner: Women of Steel - Southern Wisconsin
Local Unions: Local 9040, Local 1114, Local 2006, Local 2-209, Local 2-369, Local 2-232, Local 904L
Location: Madison, WI
Service Work: Southern Wisconsin WOS have a habit of volunteerism and giving. These women have volunteered for or particiapted in Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, Walk to End Lupus Now, Walk for Wishes (Make-a-Wish Foundation’s walk), and feeding the homeless at St. Ben’s, as well as the enumerable community service projects they start as they find a need. They’ve volunteered on Veterans Day to serve food and distribute socks, shoes, coats and mittens, all collected within their own locals. They spent an entire week volunteering at the VFW during Thanksgiving to prepare a feast for those in need. They’ve collected and donated money, clothing, food and necessities through multiple projects over the course of the year and they are constantly starting new projects to help people who are suffering in their community, like hosting coat drives, doing blanket collections, and making “blessing bags.” In addition, WOS of Southern Wisconsin take political action by phone-banking, door-knocking, and attending rallies to advocate for working peoples’ interests.
Hours: unlimited
Community Impact: This committee has helped charitable organizations such as Special Olympics, VFW, Salvation Army, Make a Wish Foundation, Lupus Foundation, St. Ben's, and Veterans Hospital.
Outstanding Quality: Many of these women work a mandatory 6-day week but still find the time to give back. Southern Wisconsin Women of Steel have a bond of sisterhood and service. They have stepped-up every time they’ve been asked, and they team-up to help causes near-and-dear to their hearts, personally, and support one another in their individual fights.
Prize money donated to: Veterans of Foreign Wars 9362 in Sun Prairie, WI
