Good Neighbors
Local 167 offers classroom space to high school
The union hall at UAW Local 167 has become the place to hold school assemblies, blood drives and an annual Christmas dinner, and this year might even have a senior prom.
Nearly every day for the past two years, the local union — in Godfrey Lee near Grand Rapids, Mich. — has opened its doors to the students at Vision Quest Alternative High School.
“We don't have space in our building for a gym, so we hold gym classes outside at Pinery Park,” said teacher Cathy Karsen. “During bad weather, the UAW started letting us use space in their building.”
“Even on the first day of school this year, we used the hall for school orientation,” Karsen said. “We just didn't have the room at Vision Quest because we have too many students.”
In return for the local's neighborly gesture, students clean outside the building and volunteer at two annual UAW picnics. On one crisp October afternoon, students joined union members to put up posters for local UAW-endorsed candidates.
“We have concerns for our neighbor and like to help,” said Local 167 President Herbert Benedict. “This also helps us to get the community to realize that we are members of the community and live and work here just like them.”
At the beginning of this school year, Karsen presented Local 167 with a plaque thanking its members for their kindness.
“We need a larger building for our school because we are growing,” she said. “But until we do, we know they are here for us.”
“It is really great to see Local 167 involved in community projects like this one,” said Region 1D Director Don Oetman. “It lets the schools, students and community know that the UAW is involved and cares about people.”
