Table of Contents
Website Award
We are delighted to submit the AFGE Local 17 website for the Website award, a digital platform thoughtfully designed to embody the spirit and professionalism of our union. Our site, afgelocal17.org, excels in aesthetics and functionality, offering an intuitive and engaging user experience. It serves as a comprehensive hub for our members, featuring a rich array of content including a detailed Resources page, our forward-thinking Rehabilitation and Performance Improvement Plan program, and the Local 17 Wall of Fame, which applauds the exceptional leadership of Veterans Law Judges at the Board of Veterans Appeals.
A standout feature is our “Know Your Rights” section, highly regarded by our members for its extensive information on crucial workplace issues such as discipline, telework, changes to working conditions, performance, hours of work, overtime, leave, and the grievance process. This section equips our members with vital knowledge and tools to navigate their rights effectively.
Additionally, our very popular Blog keeps members informed about Local 17’s ongoing efforts to support their rights and showcases opportunities for engagement at various advocacy events and celebrations. This blog is a pivotal part of our communication strategy, keeping our community connected and informed about union activities and successes.
Together, these elements make our website an exemplary model of how a union can communicate its values and mobilize its membership. Each part of the site, from content to layout, is tailored to support our union’s objectives in representation, organizing, and mobilization, while providing clear channels for members to communicate with union leaders. Our website stands as a testament to our dedication to serving our members and advancing the labor movement. Click the button below to visit our homepage.
Union Publication (Locals) Award
AFGE Local 17 is pleased to submit our dynamic blog as an entry for the “Union Publication (Locals)” award. Serving as the digital heartbeat of our communications, our blog has become an indispensable resource for our members, delivering up-to-the-minute news and insights that resonate with the interests and needs of our Local’s community. While these posts live online on our website, they reach our members directly through our frequent newsletters (of which these blog posts are the primary content), bringing the pulse of the union’s activities right to their inboxes. Our articles published during the associated time period have garnered nearly 55,000 pageviews.
Our blog’s content, ranging from in-depth articles on pressing issues such as telework rights to highlights of member events, is meticulously crafted to align with our union’s objectives. By keeping our content fresh, relevant, and reflective of our members’ concerns, we ensure that AFGE Local 17’s voice remains prominent and proactive in the ever-evolving dialogue within the labor movement. The blog embodies our commitment to providing timely, engaging, and informative content to our members, making it a strong contender for this esteemed award.
To view the blog, please visit the following page: afgelocal17.org/blog
Single Issue Publication/Collateral (Locals) Award
AFGE Local 17 is honored to submit our email newsletter campaign on telework rights for VA employees for the “Single Issue Publication/Collateral” award. This past year has seen us deeply engaged in the fight to maintain and enhance telework rights in the face of attempts by VA Secretary Denis McDonough to curtail these privileges. Our frequent email updates have been at the heart of our strategy to keep members informed, involved, and ready to act.
The content of our newsletters has covered a broad spectrum—highlighting community events that built solidarity, unpacking the nuances of policy changes, and amplifying the voices of our members as they consider the future of their work-life balance. Through our commitment to clear, consistent communication, these newsletters have not only provided clarity and support but also have been instrumental in prompting our members to stand up for their telework rights.
The series represents our dedication to transparency and member engagement, serving as a critical tool for advocacy and organization. By focusing on content that is both informative and compelling, our newsletters have effectively called our members to action, embodying the originality and impact that this award seeks to recognize. We hope to see this vital aspect of our communication efforts celebrated for its significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about the future of work at the VA.
Best Photograph, Original Cartoon, Graphic Award
AFGE Local 17 is proud to present a compelling visual for the “Best Photograph, Original Cartoon, Graphic” award, exemplifying the debate around telework policies through a striking original compilation image. The photograph juxtaposes the warmth and comfort of teleworking with the stark, gloomy reality of daily commutes. On one side, a man enjoys the tranquility of working from home, a scene brimming with light and comfort, symbolizing the work-life balance achievable without the draining commute to Washington, D.C. On the flip side, a subdued, crowded subway illustrates the daily grind many face, a stark contrast to the remote work setting. This image also breaks new ground by incorporating artificial intelligence-generated art, blending it seamlessly with traditional photography to create a thought-provoking piece that underscores the narrative of our blog post “Telework Tensions: Local 17’s Perspective on McDonough’s 50% In-Office Proposal.” Through innovative photo editing, the man working remotely is subtly placed within the train, bridging the two worlds and sparking reflection on the future of work for our members. This visual piece is not only original but tells the story of our times and the evolving nature of work.
Best Photo Collage Award
Local 17 is excited to submit our vibrant photo collage for the “Best Photo Collage” award, a creative ensemble of memories and milestones. Our collage is a celebration of the active and engaged community within AFGE, encapsulated within the bold contours of the AFGE logo. This collection is not just a series of photographs; it is a story of unity, advocacy, and camaraderie.
Featuring snapshots from various Local 17 events, the collage brings together faces of dedication and joy, including appearances by Congressman Chris Pappas and Congressman Morgan McGarvey, influential voices from the House Veterans Affairs Committee. These gatherings are more than social events; they are a testament to our advocacy efforts, fostering connections with legislators and reinforcing our commitment to our members.
Each image within the AFGE silhouette represents the union’s spirit and the diverse community it upholds. It’s a dynamic tapestry that illustrates our year-round engagement and underscores our shared identity as part of the larger AFGE family. Through this visual narrative, we honor the members who are the lifeblood of our union and the collective actions that drive us forward.
To download a full-sized version of this photo, click here.
Best News Story (Single Story) Award
Among the myriad stories that we’ve published on the topic of telework, we’re highlighting a standout piece that delves into the telework preferences of VA employees in the face of proposed changes by Secretary Denis McDonough. This article is not just a story; it’s a comprehensive look into what our members really think about coming back to the office. AFGE Local 17 conducted a detailed survey to capture the voices of hundreds of employees, and the results are eye-opening. The findings, presented through clear charts and a thorough report available for download, were instrumental during negotiations with the VA about telework policies. This piece is a prime example of our commitment to understanding and advocating for the needs of our members, making it a powerful contender for the “Best News Story.” It showcases our efforts to keep our members’ best interests at the forefront, using solid data to back our stance on maintaining flexibility and work-life balance through telework.
Best Feature Story Award
For our “Best Feature Story” entry, we’re sharing a touching story from within AFGE Local 17. It’s about one of our members, Tyeas Tillman, who lost everything in a fire at her home. In a moment that could break anyone, our union community came together in a big way. We set up a GoFundMe page and raised $6,266 to help Tyeas get back on her feet. This story isn’t just about the tragedy of the fire; it’s about how we, as a union, step up to support one another when the going gets tough. Tyeas’s experience and the incredible support she received from our union family highlight the strength and solidarity we share. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together and why this story stands out as a prime example of the kind of feature we’re proud to submit.
Best Use of Social Media Award
For the “Best Use of Social Media” category, AFGE Local 17 submits a campaign that not only captured significant online attention but also sparked crucial conversations around workplace culture at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). In a strategic move, Local 17 leveraged the viral story surrounding a memo to remove the iconic “V-J Day in Times Square” photograph from VHA facilities. This memo, issued by Lelia Jackson, Director of the Assault and Harassment Prevention Office, came under fire not just for its content but also because Jackson herself was under investigation for creating a hostile work environment.
Our post on X (formerly Twitter) reached an impressive 71,765 impressions, driving 1,082 engagements, and leading 348 users to click through to our detailed blog post on the matter, making it one of our most popular articles to date. By highlighting the irony of the situation and questioning the Department’s actions to address the internal issues it revealed, our social media strategy not only engaged our membership but also prompted wider discussions on the importance of a respectful and safe workspace within the VA. This campaign exemplifies how AFGE Local 17 uses social media not just to inform but to advocate effectively for our members, making it a standout submission for this award.