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USMWF
Letter
I thought instead of an article I would give you all and update about
USMWF. We want to keep everyone's involvement so we can ensure the site is
run for the people. We have a directive but this can easily change if
others feel it should be. So please take the time to go over this
information.
USMWF's Purpose
USMWF wants to achieve support for individuals, companies and other
organizations dealing with the repercussions of a workers death and the
prevention there of.
What we have done
USMWF was started in 2003 by a few individuals that felt the need to have
a place for others to go and find the information we could not. We also
felt that we could not heal because of our circumstances therefore we
needed to be able to find others in our positions. So we gathered as much
information as we could find, decided on a name, and got to work. During
this process we have been in contact by several that have urged us to
continue and grow. Many organizations and individuals have shown their
support by offering their help and advice. Just a few are:
* Patrice Woeppel's (Ed.D.), Who has written a book and is in the process
of writing another about workplace deaths and has enlisted our
involvement.
* The National COSH Network who keeps us well informed and
allows us to closely interact with them by giving us a voice and
involvement in many of their activities, campaigns and summits.
* Jordan Barab of Confined Space and the CSB who has been a knowledge bank
and allows us an outlet to be heard by many.
* Rory O'Neill of Hazards Magazine who has given us much insight, always
willing to answer any questions and involves us in the magazine during WMD
and when there is any family involvement.
* Tom Hardin of NASP for his support in every area including his
spiritual guidance.
* Many individuals who have helped with events, letter writing and many
other aspects two numerous to place.
We had recently felt it necessary to make a major decision to either give
it up or expand. I was personally bombarded by just about anyone who found
out USMWF may shut its doors (so to speak). It was to be honest a surprise
and left me feeling at this point it was a responsibility that I myself
was too stubborn to give up.
What we are working on
* Creating a representation for us all (the black and yellow ribbon
symbolizing support and memorial, finding many types of portals)
* Gaining non profit status
* Gaining full lists of proven Wrongful Death Attorneys
* Gaining mental heath recourses for adults and children.
* Always gaining awareness
* Workers memorial events
* An ongoing list of scholarships .
* Contacts for the families
* Working closer with a KY union and a few others.
The future
* We would like to do something special for the children who are often
forgotten in it all.
* We would like to be able to gain All Workers names and send out care
packages.
* We are speaking to Celeste Monforton about a wonderful idea that will
hopefully work out and we will let you know the details when and if it is
a go.
* We would like to see WMD be nationally recognized.
* We have a program (as I said before I really wasn't qualified to work on
it and tried my hand at it and ultimately messed it up) that will enable
everyone to add their own tribute and it has many other features such
as...the message board, chat room for events, in-house instant messages...
* We would like to work closer with employers, unions, and other
organizations to find out what the real issues are and how we can work
together to make things better for all.
* We would like to provide information to help employers understand and
deal with the families and coworkers that are dealing with a workplace
death.
* We would like to educate students before they hit the workplace as to
their rights, laws and workplace safety.
Input?
We would like all you're input as to:
* What you would like to see come from USMWF?
* What you feel is most important to work on first?
* Any other comments or suggestions you may have.
We would also like to thank all those who have believed and supported us!
We couldn't do it without you all. It is touching knowing that so many in
the mists of their own pain are willing to aid others and give our losses
a voice!
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