Dear Brothers and Sisters,
My name is Audrey Owczarzak, and I humbly ask for your vote for the IAFF Elected Human Relations Committee on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at the Vincent J. Bollon ALTS/ Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass Human Relations Conference.
The Human Relations Committee requires members who have experience in working with people from all walks of life. I have a proven record of disciplined and dedicated leadership that will lead me in assisting local, state, and provincial affiliates in developing policies, procedures, and guidelines relative to human relations issues within the fire service. I want to educate members of the IAFF regarding human relations issues and encourage greater involvement of all members in recognition of our diversity.
I have overcome many adversities in my life. I understand the need of the Human Relations Committee. Our members are the most important component of this great International union and we must recognize, learn, and educate ourselves on our diversities. We are all products of our life experiences.
Our workplace is characterized by our diversity. Without hesitation, I will continue to respect all people in the fire service regardless of their gender, race, religion, creed, sexual orientation, or place of origin.
We are different in many ways. We must pay attention to our differences, not only so that we can work together successfully, but so that we can learn to value and gain an advantage from our different strengths. Our diversities do not mean better or worse. They do, however, strengthen our solidarity and solidifies the IAFF’s growth and success.
A native Philadelphian, my Puerto Rican mother and Polish father, instilled in me values of love, compassion, and a strong will. I am most proud to be the mother of my wonderful daughter Casey. I proudly served my country as a United States Marine. I am also an Iraq combat veteran.
Hired in 2008 as a firefighter, I immediately joined the IAFF. As chairperson of Newport Firefighters Local 45’s Community Outreach Program and Events Chairman, I have coordinated efforts that have provided basic needs for the most vulnerable in our city and their families. As Local 45 secretary, I communicate clearly and directly with our membership regularly and transparently.
I am excited about our future. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you as a member of the IAFF Elected Human Relations Committee. Please feel free to contact me at any time and I look forward to meeting you next week.
In Solidarity,
Audrey Owczarzak
Secretary & Events Chairman
Newport Professional Firefighters Local 45 I.A.F.F.
(859) 466-9944
Register to Vote:
By default, the Local President (LP) is authorized to carry the vote.
IMPORTANT: If the LP is not attending the conference, they must authorize a delegate in attendance to carry your local’s vote. This can be done by the LP logging into IAFF.org and submitting the online Authorized Delegate Form authorized delegate form. (If you need any assistance, you are welcome to contact me.
Please make arrangements to have this completed prior to arrival at the ALTS /HRC. EHRC voting will take place: Tuesday, January 21, 2020 – 0730 to 1600 hours in the EL PASO 1/2 Room.
You can find out more about the IAFF Human Relations Committee by logging onto IAFF.org and going to the Human Relations Committee page https://client.prod.iaff.org/#page=ehrc
