Two locals - Faculty Association of Suffolk Community College and Schalmont Teachers' Association - shared NYSUT's Ted Bleecker "Best of the Best" award for overall excellence in labor communications.
The Word, the FASCC's publication edited by Cynthia Eaton, was recognized by the judges for "attractive layout and strong visuals. Using a relaxed, colloquial style of writing, virtually every article is interesting and inspirational."
STATIC, the publication of Schalmont TA, edited by Sarah Mattice, was praised by the judges for being "an excellent example of what a newsletter can and should be. Someone obviously is spending a great deal of time and effort to make this an attractive and useful publication - and it shows."
Nyack Teachers Association earned the top Solidarity Award for "The President's Message" featured in The Bridge, edited by Tracy Potter.
"It's an excellent story that really brings to life the close relationship between the state and local unions. It gives the Labor-Relations Specialist a human face and describes the challenges and accomplishments," the judges wrote.
The awards were announced in late April during the annual NYSUT Journalism Competition celebration and luncheon. Judges gave 116 awards to 40 locals. Contest winners were selected from among almost 200 entries in an array of categories, from Best News Story to Best Website.
For the complete list of winners, visit www.nysut.org.
NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira praised the winners for their dedication and said NYSUT counts on them to keep the union's message front and center.
Author and union activist Esther Cohen also encouraged members to use the power of storytelling to create a better understanding about why unions matter.