The Teamsters Joint Council 25 Women's Committee is expanding participation for rank-and-file members with a kickoff celebration at its first regular membership meeting on Saturday, May 19.

From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Teamsters Local 731 union hall in Burr Ridge, Teamster women and men are invited to learn more about the Women's Committee and improve leadership opportunities for members throughout the union. With newly elected leaders and an Executive Board in place, the committee is growing its membership with quarterly meetings and new member initiatives.

"There's never been a better opportunity for Teamster women and men to get involved," said Debra Simmons-Peterson, President of the Women's Committee. "We need to come together and we need to do it often. We need more solidarity in the workplace and at the union level, and we need it now."

All rank-and-file members are strongly encouraged to engage with the Women's Committee and attend regular meetings. There is no cost or obligation to participate in meetings, events or the committee's annual seminar held each November.

The Women's Committee, however, is making voluntary membership available for the first time this year. For a voluntary $10 membership fee, official members will receive a Women's Committee membership card, notices about meetings, opportunities to get involved and the satisfaction of supporting an organization that unites women members.

To become a voluntary member and receive your official membership card, DOWNLOAD the membership form and return it, along with $10 in cash or a check payable to Teamsters Joint Council 25 Women's Committee, to:

Teamsters Joint Council 25 Women's Committee

1300 W. Higgins Road, Suite 220

Park Ridge, IL 60068