Civil and Human Rights Committee

Civil and Human Rights Committee

The Committee's mission is to educate and inform members and staff about civil and human rights concerns, and to protect these rights for all workers. The Civil and Human Rights Committee serves as a resource for all union members and SEIU staff.

Left to right: Nancy Padilla, Rose Kachadoorian and Lucy Lahr
of the Civil and Human Rights Committee.

The African-American (AFRAM), Latino, and Lavender Caucases operate under the umbrella of the Civil and Human Rights Committee.

The caucuses actively and energetically support each other, and work cooperatively within the framework of the Committee.

Committee meetings are open to all SEIU members, and serve as a place for members to interact with others to share concerns, ideas, and strategies.

Each of the caucuses welcomes support and participation from all SEIU members.

The Committee assists in communication, and helps train and educate members and staff on issues of racism, homophobia, and other human and civil rights issues in the workplace.

Some activities in which the Committee and various caucuses are involved include:

providing comment on legislation which may affect civil and human rights;
testifying at the legislature;
developing General Council resolutions;
participating in demonstrations and rallies;
attending conferences and bringing back ideas and resources;
working with members to resolve issues in the workplace.

The Committee operates on the premise that equal rights are not special rights.