There was indeed much to celebrate at the 1991 IBEW 34th International Convention, which commemorated 100 years of service. IBEW delegates from the US and Canada adopted a resolution originally sponsored by the EWMC that called for the creation of a civil rights or minority affairs department. The purpose of the resolution was to create a department to develop programs within the IBEW to address and better serve the needs of minorities, women and other protected classes.

Helping Members Help Themselves
EWMC membership is a step toward leadership skills. At its national membership meeting each year, the EWMC conducts education and training programs vital to individual growth and development. Members participate in workshops on union leadership, building organizing skills, public speaking, coalition building, and political action. EWMC members meet, network with others, share achievements and problems, and plan for the future in the IBEW.

Join EWMC - Make a Difference
Membership in the EWMC is open to all IBEW members (including those on honorary withdrawals and pensioners) who are in good standing with their local union and who have satisfied the dues requirements of the EWMC. Membership dues are $40. Members are encouraged to pay their dues in January of each year.

The EWMC needs your help to carry out its objectives and reach its stated goals. We are constantly striving to expand our membership and welcome the support of all interested IBEW members. If you would like to become a member, please print the Membership Form and return it to the address listed below:

The Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC)
The EWMC has a long history. In 1974, African American and Hispanic delegates met during the 30th IBEW International Convention in Kansas City, Missouri and formed the EWMC to address the lack of minority representation and other inequalities within the IBEW.

Since that time the EWMC has prospered and grown under the direction of President Robbie Sparks, an IBEW Business Manager from Atlanta, Georgia. The success of the EWMC is essentially due to its strong vision and belief in the abilities of people of color.

The EWMC is a strong advocate for equal rights, opportunities, and greater minority representation in the IBEW. The EWMC is well respected by the IBEW and the labor movement because of its strong commitment and vigorous pursuit of social and economic justice for minority workers.

The Caucus serves as a support and networking system, and provides education and training for its members. The membership reflects a broad-based coalition of dedicated IBEW men and women who work within the IBEW structure to forge changes that will benefit minorities and the entire IBEW membership.

The EWMC Executive Committee is comprised of eleven elected officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and eight (8) At-Large members. The rules governing the EWMC are contained in the organization's national operating bylaws.

• To promote equal opportunity and employment for minorities at all levels of the IBEW structure;
• To foster leadership development and empower minorities to become active participants and leaders in the IBEW;
• To assist IBEW minority members who have discrimination complaints;
• To promote, support and assist the organizing of minority workers in the IBEW;
• To encourage minority workers to be greater activists in community and political affairs; and
• To be actively involved in AFL-CIO Constituency Groups, human, civil, and women's rights organizations to advance the cause of minority workers.