UUP President William Scheuerman’s monthly Voice column earned the union one of four first-place honors in a national journalism contest sponsored by the American Federation of Teachers Communicators Network (AFTCN). The union’s communications efforts also garnered one third-place and two second-place awards.

The winning column, “Have you no sense of decency, sir?” ran in the April 2006 issue. The opinion piece likens the so-called “Academic Bill of Rights” to McCarthyism and the Salem witch hunts.

“A sensible poke at the ‘Academic Bill of Rights’ and its chief promoter. Well done,” according to contest judges.

UUP also won awards for:

Best Layout/ Graphics, first place: “The Unkindest Cut,” The Voice, February 2007 cover, bottom left. “Dark and scary! Very effective,” the judges wrote. “The impact of a simple photo in wonderful color (is) … fabulous.”

Best Electronic Media, first place: “SUNY is vital” TV image ad. “Good, positive message. I like the imagery.”

Best Community/Parent Publication, first place: 2007 Legislative Agenda.

General Excellence, second place: the December 2006, January 2007 and February 2007 issues of The Voice. “Excellent graphic presentation with good choice of stories from its many campuses, as well as coverage of state legislation affecting members.”

Best Public Relations Program, second place: Two 30-second TV spots, “Health at risk” and “Keep SUNY hospitals public,” as well as print ads, fliers, buttons, placards and similar outreach efforts. “This is an effective, well thought-out and thorough campaign. Rally, press coverage, legislative action — bravo!”

Best Photo, third place: “Persistence pays,” January 2007 Voice cover of Stony Brook HSC members protesting hospital privatization efforts, taken by UUP Publications Specialist Karen Mattison, below. “A great photo that is nicely centered. Mix with background colors is excellent. … It tells a fabulous story.”

In handing out the awards, AFT Secretary/Treasurer Nat LaCour emphasized the vital role communication plays in educating members, lawmakers and the community at large.

“Communications is the bedrock of what we do,” LaCour said. “We have to get the message out that … our union is effective, and we count on you to do that.”

More than 1,200 entries from hundreds of AFT locals and federations entered the annual competition, which is judged by professional journalists, Webmasters and graphic designers.

— Karen L. Mattison