Take Responsibility, Give Thanks

Take a close look at the IBEW logo, and you will see just above the lightning bolts in the center the words: "Organized Nov. 28, 1891." In 2002, November 28 also happens to be Thanksgiving in the United States. Theres meaning in that coincidence.

We give thanks for what means the most to us in lifefamily, friends, freedom or whatever it may be. I know that most of us in the IBEW will also give thanks this year that we are part of this great Brotherhood, which has given us the opportunity for a decent way of life and a measure of financial security.

Experience tells us that nothing worthwhile in this life comes without effort. We get out what we put in. As my father would say, youve got to "prime the pump to get water." So it is with our union. If we are thankful for it, then the other side of the coin is that we must each take our personal share of responsibility for its well-being.

This is not something that is only up to me, or the other officers and staff or local union leaders. Responsibility for the continued and future success of the IBEW rests with each and every one of us. Being part of the union by definition means that we look out for each other and stand together to achieve our goals.

Henry Miller, J.T. Kelly and the rest of the founders of the IBEW are revered today because they took responsibility for their future, and, as a result, also had a profound effect on our future. And that is how it must be againin our 12^th decade of existence. We can never be satisfied, because we are engaged in a struggle that has no endthe fight for the betterment of working people.

There are literally hundreds of ways that you, as an IBEW member, can take responsibility for your future. You can be the very best you can be on the jobshowing the world that the IBEW stands for quality and professionalism in all that we do. You can listen when your local leaders talk about organizing and volunteer your time to help with this most important of union activities. You can serve on committees at your local and help get the word out to your co-workers.

When you take pride in such things as your appearance on the job, thats taking responsibility for your union. When you keep yourself free from alcohol or drug abuse and urge your co-workers to do the same, thats taking responsibility. When you honor the commitments that the union has made and live up to your end of all bargains, thats taking responsibility.

And, as we chew over the results of the mid-term elections in the United States that took place early this month, I certainly hope that all of youno matter what your viewsdid your duty as a patriot and voted. Thats a very important way of taking responsibility.

In the IBEW, we believe in high standards, and that means we must live up to them. There will be no progress if we pick and choose which principles to honor. We either live by them all,or we are not being real trade unionists.

Remember that we are not and will not be the best just because we say we are. We have to go out and show it every day.

If Thanksgiving teaches us nothing else, it shows that those who came from all corners of the world to create what became free and open societies on the North American continent took responsibility for their destiny, their communities, their future. And all of us who live and work in the United States and Canada enjoy the fruits of their courage and sacrifice.

We are called to make sacrifices of our own and to show courage in the face of new threats to our nations. As trade union members, we constantly face threats to our livelihood whether they come from distant economic forces, unfriendly politicians, or a culture of corporate greed and moral rot.

We must stand togetherunited and proudfor the principles that guide the IBEW and the labor movement. That is something for which we give thanks.

Edwin D. Hill
International President