Next Level of Activism
The Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) was officially established on May 23, 1985, when, by unanimous vote, the delegates approved an amendment to the USW Constitution, making SOAR an affiliate organization of the USW. More than that, the resolution created another level of activism for the union.
SOAR is as essential to our union as other programs, like Women of Steel, NextGen, Veterans of Steel or Rapid Response. However, the most significant difference is that SOAR is primarily made up of retired, former union members who want to remain involved and active in their organization.
In recent months, the activism of members of SOAR has been recognized in a way that identifies the real purpose of SOAR, which is simply creating another level of activism within the USW.
Recently, two individuals were recognized for their continued involvement:
Albert Becco, one of the longest-serving chapter presidents at 90 years of age, received an award for his lifetime involvement in the labor movement, his community and his support and work towards electing labor-friendly candidates.
Priscilla Marco, who is new to SOAR and was instrumental in forming her local union’s SOAR chapter and is serving as the chapter’s first-ever president, received an award at the USW District 4 Conference recognizing her as an outstanding SOAR activist for her commitment to the labor movement, her involvement in the community and also for her support and work towards electing labor-friendly candidates.
SOAR provides an opportunity for retirees like Priscilla and Al to stay active and involved and to be able to make a difference. They are just two examples of the many dedicated activists of SOAR who firmly believe that it is a logical progression to move to SOAR as their “next level of activism.”