The annual Northwest Regional Conferences keep getting bigger and better.

This year was no exception. Held in Hood River, Oregon, on October 4 and 5, the conference attracted 175 attendees.

The conference was the sixth of its sort. The first was held on September 12 and 13, 1997. It was the brainchild of Chris Dugovich, who had been elected an international vice president of AFSCME's Northwest Regional District the previous year. Dugovich, who still fills that position and also is President and Executive Director of Council 2, said his main aim in launching the conference was to encourage closer ties and to improve communications throughout the Pacific Northwest Region.

"We are the only region that has these conferences," says Dugovich. "they have proven to be very well received and continue to grow in attendance."

He adds that they bring people from different county, city and state jurisdictions together and provide them with the opportunity to exchange information.

This year, Cornelia Murphy, Oregon Council 75's Political Coordinator, addressed the conference on the subject of political mobilization.

She discussed the best practices to use in communication techniques with members and voters. She also showed how to map the workplace and community so you can mobilize voters to help your endorsed candidates win elections.

Another speaker was Lorraine O'Hara, Director of people for afscme. She spoke of the need for members to do their utmost to build a war chest that will enable us to achieve our political goals.

Jack Dempsey, General Counsel for AFSCME, (seen on the right) outlined recent developments in labor law and Cathy Collette, ASFCME Director of Women's Rights Department, discussed how to promote yourself with confidence and learn how to get a higher rated, higher paid job.

Next year's conference will be held October 17-18 in Olympia.