The CSEA/AFSCME PEOPLE Program has seen a recent uptick in members who are contributing.
“It’s no surprise to see this,” said Statewide PEOPLE Committee Chair Karen Bright. “More members are understanding the importance of being involved and engaged in politics at every level to protect the rights we have fought so hard to win.”
The PEOPLE program protects and improves our jobs, benefits and pensions in Washington, Albany and in your community. Your support and participation in PEOPLE strengthens our union’s clout in the workplace, in the legislature, in your community and in the labor movement.
Only 3 cents of every dues dollar goes to CSEA’s Legislative and Political Action Department. In addition, federal law prohibits the use of members’ dues for federal campaign contributions. This is why voluntary contributions to the PEOPLE program are so important. These funds allow us to support pro-labor candidates in both parties, advance legislation that benefits our members, and fight back against harmful proposals.
“Given what’s been going on with national politics, members are more aware of and engaged in the political world,” said CSEA PEOPLE Coordinator Kim Wallace-Russo. “This is leading to more members understanding the importance of PEOPLE and supporting it.”
Recruiting members to contribute to the PEOPLE Program is largely driven by region PEOPLE committees and CSEA Political Action Coordinators. Wallace-Russo said the committees have done an outstanding job recruiting members to contribute. The Retiree Division locals have also stepped up their efforts, she said.
AFSCME Assistant Director of Fundraising Jeanette Barnes noted that support for the PEOPLE program has increased nationally as well.
In 2025, the AFSCME PEOPLE team set a goal of signing up 10,000 new MVP-level PEOPLE supporters and as of September, they have already reached 77 percent of that goal.
“This momentum reflects a growing understanding among our members,” said Barnes. “We are living in a critical moment for labor, and now is the time to act.”
PEOPLE is key to fighting back against legislation that will harm CSEA members and working families, as well as the essential services they provide.
“We are spreading the word about dangerous legislation like the so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’—a bill that threatens working families and undermines the progress we’ve made,” said Barnes. “We must continue to fight against these assaults on our rights and our livelihoods.”
PEOPLE is a nationwide program that supports all AFSCME affiliates.
— Mathew L. Cantore