Our union is stronger when Steelworker retirees are involved as activists, advocates and volunteers, which is why we established the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) in 1985. With the establishment of SOAR, our union solidified its focus on the unique issues impacting USW retirees and their spouses. Further, SOAR has been engaged in countless efforts to assure security for current and future generations of retirees regardless of whether they belong to a union or not.
SOAR Chapter 7-34-2, with meetings held on the second Monday of every month, 12:00, has developed into a respected group of members who offer assistance to many. Meeting location is the Neighborhood Social Club near the intersection of highways 111 and 162 in Pontoon Beach, Ill. 4168 IL-162, Pontoon Beach, IL 62040
Select the 'Scheduled Events' tab for our location map and to learn about our upcoming scheduled activities or you may contact Chapter President, Jeff Rains at the USW Sub-2 office: 618-452-1130.
We continue our outreach with the groups like the Twigs program, battling childhood hunger in the community, https://polarengraving.com/TwigsforKids
Our engagement has included offering three annual $3,000 Jane Becker Scholarships to graduating seniors within the USW District 7 Sub 2 region which covers the south portion of Illinois from the northern line of Decatur to down to sourthern part of the state including Metropolis, Ill. https://www.usw.org/districts/7
We have an ongoing collection for our troops that are stationed overseas during our annual holiday gift drive, monthly donations to the Granite City Community Care Center helping with meals for those people who are underserved. http://www.gccommunitycarecenter.org/
Not to be forgotten is our support and assistance in organizing rallies or petition drives as an extension of the USW Rapid Response campaigns. https://www.usw.org/act/activism/rapid-response
Most recently we have organized collections, donations and a Christmas food basket giveaway for the active steelworkers who are struggling through extremely long-term layoffs.
Building our relationships among many local community benevolent organizations is supplanted through friendships grown among local, statewide and federal elected and appointed officials who listen and govern with a watchful eye on the issues impacting USW retirees and their spouses like Medicare, Social Security and public policy that enhances ours and future generation's quality of life in retirement.
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