UUP’s ability to get its message out earned the union three awards in a national journalism contest sponsored by the American Federation of Teachers Communicators Network (AFTCN).

UUP won first-place honors for its 2008 advertising campaign, “SUNY is NY’s Economic Engine.” The 30-second TV spot that aired across the state bore the message that SUNY is an engine of economic growth, but without funds for additional faculty, “this engine will run out of fuel.” The ad, targeted at state lawmakers, featured UUPers and SUNY students from Albany and New Paltz.
The campaign also featured a print ad, right. The TV and print ads were produced under the direction of UUP Director of Commucations Denyce Duncan Lacy.

“Message, call to action is clear,” the judges commented.

UUP also won two other awards.

The Voice earned second-place honors for best design. The winning entry accompanied the article, “Growing a new generation of union leaders,” that appeared in the May/June 2007 issue. Publications Specialist Karen Mattison did the layout.

An article in that same issue garnered a third-place award for best news story.

“No holds barred” detailed UUP’s extensive efforts to keep Upstate Medical University in Syracuse as part of SUNY, including the filing of a lawsuit.
Media Relations Specialist Donald Feldstein wrote the article.

Outgoing AFT President Edward McElroy underscored the importance of communications when he delivered the keynote speech at the opening AFTCN meeting that preceded the AFT Convention in Chicago.

“Communications has been and is most important to the national AFT,” he said. McElroy received the Albert Shanker Lifetime Achievement Award from the AFT Communications Association.

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

— Donald Feldstein