MAGAZINE UNITY
Council 220 Executive Committee
President – Jessica LaPointe
Executive Vice President – Angela Digeronimo
First Vice President – Edwin Osorio
Second Vice President – Amad Ali
Third Vice President –Mark Rogers
Fourth Vice President – Shonda Johnson
Secretary – Monique Buchanan
Treasurer – Jennifer Kirkham
Boston RVP – Camille Pineiro
New York RVP – Shawn Halloran
Philadelphia RVP – Nicole McMillin
Atlanta RVP – Jimmy Botts
Chicago RVP – Amber Westbrook
Dallas RVP – Ana Rivers
Kansas City RVP – Jeremy Maske
Denver RVP – Jordan Harwell
San Francisco RVP – Stephanie Rodriguez
Seattle RVP – John Pfannenstein
TO OUR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Thank you for your invaluable contributions to Unity Magazine. Your dedication and talent have shaped our publication's new direction, making it more engaging and impactful for our readers. We deeply appreciate your collaboration and look forward to continuing our journey together.
UNITY COUNCIL
MAGAZINE
STAFF
Editor-in-Chief – L. Greg Dorsey
Graphic Designer – Deidre B.G Southerland
Staff Photographer- Delia Trevino
Writer Coordinator- Angela Digeronimo
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LOCAL 3184 LOCAL 3184
ALifetimeofFaithfulService ALifetimeofFaithfulService asaSundaySchoolTeacher asaSundaySchoolTeacher
In addition to his decades of public service, Former PresidentJimmyCarter’scommitmenttohisfaithhas been a central aspect of his life, particularly through hisroleasaSundaySchoolteacher.Forover60years, Carter has taught Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, demonstrating a rare and steadfast dedication to both his spiritual journeyandhiscommunity.
His teaching ministry is a testament to his belief that faith should be lived out in everyday actions. Carter, who often says that his Christian faith is the foundation of his values, has approached Sunday School not as a mere duty, but as an opportunity to share his faith and serve others. Over the years, his classes have drawn people from all walks of life, including both locals and visitors who came to hear his insights on scripture. Through this personal and humbleactofteaching,hehasremainedgroundedin the belief that leadership is not about prestige, but aboutservice,humility,andlove.
Carter’s dedication to teaching Sunday School even after his presidency highlights his consistent and genuine devotion to his faith. In fact, even as he entered his 90s, he continued to lead classes, speakingopenlyabouthisdeepconvictionsandusing biblical teachings to address real-world issues. His time as a teacher stands as a quiet yet profound example of a life devoted to service a reminder that faith, when lived authentically, can transcend political officeandimpactcommunitiesforalifetime.
For Carter, the classroom was never about fame or recognition. It was about imparting the values of kindness, forgiveness, and the importance of helping others, all of which remain at the core of his faithdrivenapproachtoleadership.
DearAFGECouncil220affiliatedUnionsiblings,
As we mourn the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, we reflect on his profound impact on federal sector unions and public service. While his presidency faced various challenges, his signing of the Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) of 1978 fundamentally transformed federal labormanagement relations and created the framework we operateundertoday.
The CSRA of 1978 stands as one of President Carter's most significant domestic achievements and represents the largest reform of federal personnel regulations since the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883. This landmark legislation established the organizational structure we know today, creating the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) with its Office of Special Counsel (OSC), and the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), while empowering the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to enforce equal employment laws in federal agencies. Most crucial to our union family, the CSRA explicitly codified federal employee's; right to engage in collective bargaining. This legislation createdthelegalframeworkthatenablesustonegotiatewith agencies over working conditions, established procedures for union recognition, and implemented dispute resolution mechanisms including binding arbitration. These provisions allowedthisAFGECouncilrepresentingfieldworkerstosecure its first contract, marking a pivotal moment in our ongoing missiontoimproveworkingconditionsforyouall.
As enshrined in 5 USC 7101, Congress recognized that protecting employee's; rights to organize and bargain collectively through their chosen labor organization safeguards the public interest, contributes to effective public service, and promotes amicable resolution of workplace disputes. This recognition remains fundamental to our missiontoday.
As we honor President Carter's memory, we recommit ourselves to building upon his legacy. We will continue our vital work of protecting and expanding collective bargaining rights for federal workers, ensuring that the public service remainsstrong,efficient,andfairforall.
InSolidarity,
JessicaLaPointe President,AFGECouncil220
In 1952, then-Lieutenant Jimmy Carter was interviewed by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover to join the nuclear submarine program. Rickover asked Carter whether he had always done his best. Carter’s honest reply “No, I didn’t” set the stage for a lifelong commitment to excellence. This moment wasn’t just a turning point for Carter but an embodiment of deeper principles.
It is unsurprising that this idea of doing one’s best takes root in various philosophical teachings and is found in numerous parts of the gospel. My personal favorite is Luke 16:10 which teaches, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” A man of faith, Carter’s willingness to face his shortcomings and strive for improvement reflects this wisdom. We must all be good stewards of that which surrounds us, small as it might be. What good does our natural born talents serve us if we do not apply them to the benefit of others?
From a practical perspective, while we cannot control external circumstances, we can always control how we respond. Carter’s journey illustrates this perfectly: Instead of being paralyzed by the admiral’s scrutiny, he chose to let it inspire a relentless pursuit of his best self. He understood that his place was not above others, but amongst them.
Carter’s story reminds us that greatness often begins in small, unseen acts of diligence. Whether navigating a nuclear submarine or guiding a nation, the principles of faithfulness, will, and striving for excellence remain universal. Let’s take a page from Carter’s book: When faced with challenges, ask yourself, “Did I do my best?” Then, let the answer guide you toward growth.
By: Oscar Gonzalez
The Audacity to Be Disliked
A UNION STEWARD’S DUTY
In union work, especially as a Union Steward or AFGE Officer, having "the audacity to be disliked" is vital. It means having the courage to defend union members’ rights, even when it leads to opposition from management. With the challenges we may face ahead, this quality will be even more important.
When I started my federal career, workers had minimal protections, relying on an executive order from President Kennedy. Over the years, thanks to AFGE and President Jimmy Carter, we secured essential rights, allowing me to work for 51 years with protections. However, these rights are vulnerable to new executive orders, making the union’s role even more crucial.
The audacity to be disliked involves standing firm for union interests despite management’s resistance. Often, management may react negatively when union representatives challenge them, but it’s important to stay calm and focused on what’s right.
I had a personal experience that illustrates this. During a Health and Safety inspection, a manager initially welcomed us but tried to dismiss the inspection, claiming it was only a "meet and greet." Despite this, I insisted we conduct the inspection, suggesting the manager review the email and contact their supervisor if needed. My colleague was surprised by my firmness, as many employees fear retaliation and avoid confrontation.
The truth is, if we don’t stand up for our rights, we risk losing the protections we’ve fought for. The audacity to be disliked is about challenging management and ensuring our contracts are respected.
In the end, it’s about standing up for what’s right, protecting workers’ rights, and ensuring our hard-won protections remain intact. The courage to "stir the pot" is essential to preserving justice and fairness in the workplace
By: Thanace Pikoulas Vice President,
ThemostimportantactionthatJimmyCarter took that impacted federal employees was the Civil Service Reform Act (CSRA) of 1978. This Act codified in federal law the ability of federal employees to form unions and to engage in collective bargaining. Prior to this Presidents Kennedy and Nixon signed Executive Orders that provided federal employees collective bargaining rights. Carter proposed a statutory CSRA to eliminate the abuses of Watergate and the manipulationofthemeritsystem. Hewanted toinvestmoreauthoritytomanagerswhileat the same time protecting employees from anyabuseofauthority.
TheCSRAwascontroversialwithfederallabor unions. Much of it was a lift from the Nixon Executive Order. It contained a strong management rights section that was distasteful to labor. It also banned negotiations on pay and benefits and forbid strikes that have always been the primary leverage for private sector unions in collective bargaining. Ken Blaylock, AFGE President from 1976-81 supported the CSRA despitealotofcriticismfromAFGEleadersat the time. He realized that having a statute instead of Executive Orders that codified the union-management relationship was critical to the survival of the union. In retrospect he was right. Presidents Reagan and Trump could easily have eliminated AFGE’s bargainingrightsbyastrokeofapen.
Thanks, Jimmy Carter, for CSRA. AFGE’s continuing ability to represent employees effectively is a result of Carter’s understanding that having a statutory right tocollectivebargainingisessentialtofederal employee protection from abuse and having an effective federal employee voice through their union regarding Agency working conditions.
By: Witold Skwierczynski
"TometherelationshipwithGodisaverypersonalthing,"said Carter."Godiseverpresentinmylife.HegivesmeguidancewhenI turntohim."
SomepeopleknowPresidentJimmyCarterasaformerPresidentwhotaught Sunday School. I always viewed Mr. Carter as a servant of God who was elected as President of the United States. He had a lifelong commitment to follow his faith, whether that be on the grand stage of United States presidencyorinasmalltowninGeorgiaservingasdeaconofhischurchor volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. I love the story in the late 1960's where Mr. Carter served as chairman of a Gospel film outreach and worked to integrate leaders in Sumter County, Georgia to further the ministry and leadotherstoChrist.Thefilmwasshowninalocaltheaterandhundredsof different races sat side by side, knelt together, and prayed together. "Jimmy Carter was the only man who had the courage to be the chairman," Billy Grahamsaid.
Jimmy Botts
Atlanta RVP, Local 3094 President
"Thegreatnessofamanisnotinhowmuchwealthheacquires,butinhisintegrityand hisabilitytoaffectthosearoundhimpositively."-BobMarley
President Jimmy Carter exemplified public service as a sacred duty. His dedication to strengthening Social Security and protecting federal workers' rights demonstrated his deepcommitmenttoworkingAmericans.
What set President Carter apart was his authentic character. He lived his values every day, from his modest lifestyle to his unwavering support for human rights. While others might have chased political expediency, he consistently chose what he believed was rightforhumanity,evenwhenitcameatapersonalpoliticalcost.
After leaving public office, he continued to serve others through the Carter Center, building homes with Habitat for Humanity, and working tirelessly for peace and human dignityworldwide.Heshowedusthattrueleadershipisnotaboutaccumulatingpoweror wealth but about using one ' s position to help others. President Carter reminded us that governmentserviceisaboutimprovingpeople'slives.Hislegacyinspiresustoapproach our work as Union officials with the same sense of purpose and dedication to the commongoodthatheexemplifiedthroughouthisremarkablelife.
RestinPeace,PresidentCarter.Maywehonorhismemorybybeingofservicetoothersin thepursuitofabettertomorrowforall.
By Angela Digeronimo
By Howard Egerman
ItiswithdeepreflectionandgratitudethatImarkthe51stanniversaryofmyfederalservice, whichbeganonDecember26,1973.Whilemyservicewouldbe55yearsifIreceivedcreditfor mymilitarytime,itwastheearlyyearsofmyfederalcareerthattrulyshapedmypath.WhenI firststarted,theonlyprotectionwehadasfederalemployeeswasanexecutiveordersigned by President John F. Kennedy. We understood then, as we do now, how fragile those protections were, knowing that any president could issue another executive order to take themaway.
At the time, I worked alongside my colleagues at the Social Security Administration (SSA) without the security of a national contract or council. We operated under a patchwork of regionalagreements,withoutthefullprotectionsthatfederalemployeesdeserve.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of our great union, AFGE, and the leadership of President Ken Blaylock, we eventually secured a statute and legal protections that we could rely on. And thankstothevisionandsupportofPresidentJimmyCarter,I’vehadtheprivilegeofworking for51years,withtherightsandprotectionsthathaveallowedmetocontinuemyservicewith dignityandsecurity.
When I began my career, there was no national contract, no statutory protections, and no guaranteeoffairtreatment.Wewerereliantonaseriesofregionalcontractsandthatsingle executiveorderfromJFKtosecuresomebasicunionrights.ButthroughthehardworkofAFGE, under the leadership of President Blaylock, and the unwavering support of President Carter, wewereabletosecurethestatute,theFederalLaborRelationsAuthority(FLRA),andthefirst nationalcontractintheearly1980s.
While we have faced challenges under successive administrations, including executive orders,theprotectionswefoughtforthroughAFGEandPresidentCarter'sleadershipremaina bedrockofourrightsasfederalemployees.Withouttheirefforts,mycolleaguesandIwould havenoprotectiontoday.
IamforevergratefultoPresidentJimmyCarterandtoAFGEforensuringthatworkerslikeme havehadtheprotections,therights,andtheopportunitiestoserveourcountrywithpride.Itis becauseoftheirleadershipthatIhavebeenabletoreachthis51-yearmilestoneandcontinue toserve.Thankyou,PresidentCarter,andthankyoutoAFGEformakingthisjourneypossible.
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