Fred Taylor, Local 4671 (HCU) member has been chosen as "Bus Driver of the Year" by the Oregon Pupil Transport Association (OPTA). Taylor has been driving for the Hillsboro School District for the past 15 years, and was recognized for his perfect safety record and on-time performance.

Rosemary Powers, Local 6200 (AAP) member and Eastern Oregon University (EOU) professor, said that serving on the State Board of Higher Education has been both a privilege and challenge.

State Representative Mitch Greenlick, founding member of Local 3571 (PSUFA) stood beside Governor Kulongoski as he signed into law a bill that will provide Oregon Health Plan insurance for the some 80,000 children in Oregon who are currently without coverage.

Dr. Michelle (Mickey) Pardew, Local 2278 (WOUFT), has been appointed by Governor Kulongoski to a new 13-person Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Drawing from his passion for wildlife, the environment and politics, David Johns, Adjunct Professor at Portland State University and member of Local 3571 (PSUFA) has published a guide, "A new conservation politics: Power, Organization Building, and Effectivenes,"  to demystify the political system for conservationists. Johns is a longtime educator and wildlife conservationist who has devoted his life to protecting wildlife and natural areas, as well as teaching others how to utilize the political system and law in order to achieve justice for wildlife, the environment, as well as social issues.

"Green" is the new black. Across the media, we hear stories of investment in renewable energy resources, "reducing our carbon footprint," building and remodeling to meet new "green" Leadership in Energy and Environmental and Design (LEED) certifications; and creating "green" sustainable jobs.

AFT-Oregon members are working behind the scenes to help fuel the so-called "green" industry, ensure that jobs created are living wage positions, and change the way we live and think about the energy resources available, and how our choices, both personal and professional affect the environment.