Author Archives: Maggie Young

Navigating Change: SupportLinc Fall Newsletter

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SUPPORTLINC IS A NO-COST, CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
AVAILABLE TO YOU AND YOUR ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS 24/7/365

Whether you choose change, or it simply happens, change is a natural part of life and important to individual growth. You might experience a new job, a different living situation or shifting social groups, but navigating change successfully can be a similar process for any situation. Change can be difficult sometimes, but the way you approach it can reduce your stress and anxiety as well as help you bounce back quicker and stronger.

Recognize signs of change
Career changes, growing families, aging or unexpected circumstances can trigger feelings similar to the grieving process. Sadness, excitement, joy, anxiety and even anger are typical emotions that you may feel during periods of change. The more you understand why and how changes affect you, the more easily you will be able to handle changes when you encounter them.

Stay flexible
Resisting change only makes it harder. Being open to adapting helps you avoid some of the stress associated with transitions. Ask yourself, “What am I going to lose if I don’t change?” and “How can I make this work?” What skills do you have that you can apply to the new situation or environment? Expressing curiosity, asking questions and exploring new methods of problem solving can help you be more comfortable with changes.

Practice resiliency
The people that are best able to deal with change in their lives believe in their ability to adapt. Resiliency is about “bouncing back” from life’s challenges, and the ability to adjust to situations around you, especially in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or stress. It’s recognizing that your strengths can help you endure and that you have the capability to approach life’s challenges head-on.

Stick to a routine
When facing the unknown, it’s important to try maintaining a sense of normalcy. For example, when facing changes in the workplace, try focusing on your usual workday routine. Can you still have lunch with a coworker or take your break at the same time each day? Sticking to your daily routines, wherever possible, can help ease the stress and tension you may be feeling during changes and provide a sense of comfort.

Change your perspective
Perspective is the window through which you view life, situations and other people. Even amid challenging times, keeping an optimistic viewpoint is possible and can help you move forward. To change the way you are looking at things, you need to change your emotional and mental inputs. Find sources of positive influence such as books, blogs and podcasts that help you to see the whole picture and find the good in change.

While changes might not always be welcome, they are an important part of personal growth. Take a new perspective and tackle change with a positive mindset, but don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you need it!

Preparing Kids For School – Your EAP Monthly Feature

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Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, getting new school supplies and taking new classes are some of the reasons that students look forward to a new school year. Helping your child prepare for a successful school year can help both of you feel more confident and less stressed about upcoming transitions. 

Whether your child is starting school for the first time or the last, students might feel anxious about embarking on a new journey. To better understand how you can help prepare your child for change, watch the flash course, “Preparing Kids for School.“ Afterwards, read on to find out how you and your child can take steps towards a healthy and happy school year. 

Preparing Kids for School from CuraLinc Healthcare on Vimeo.

  • Set reminders. With summer coming to an end, it might feel difficult to get back into school year routines. It’s important to get in the habit of crafting a schedule before the school year officially starts. This includes setting alarms before bed, practicing usual mealtime routines and completing chores. Having a schedule can make you and your child feel more organized. 
  • Get more sleep. Homework and after school activities can place a lot of stress on a student. Remember to practice healthy sleeping habits by setting alarms and turning off your phone half an hour before bed. Excessive screen time can cause digital eyestrain and hinder your sleeping patterns. 
  • Practice healthy eating habits. Healthy eating can be fun, too. Consider making healthy snacks like sliced apples and bananas with peanut butter or a fruit salad for your child. Fruits and vegetables can boost the energy for both you and your student and motivate you both throughout the day. 
  • Do brain teasers.  Did you know that working on brain teasers exercises the mind? For example, solving puzzles gives your students a mental workout while getting excited about learning. It also brings other children together as they bond over problem-solving. 
  • Communicate with others. If your child ever feels uncomfortable, it’s important to encourage them to speak with their teacher or guidance counselor to address any concerns they may have. Talking to others who share similar feelings can also reduce feelings of stress and serve as a reminder that you and your child are not alone. Parents can also reach out to a SupportLinc licensed counselor by calling 1-888-881-5462 if they’re feeling stressed. 

Earn EVITP Certification Through The Baltimore Electrical JATC At Substantial Savings

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The Baltimore Electrical JATC is offering the Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), a 20-hour course for journey-level electricians to get trained and certified to build the United States’ electric vehicle charging system. At a cost of only $85, this option offers significant savings as compared to the course offered on the EVITP website for $275. The Baltimore Electrical JATC certification class is open to any Local 24 JW member who is currently working for a contributing employer, or has been laid off by a contributing employer in the last 12 months. For more information or to enroll, contact the JATC at 410 247-3313.




In a recent letter to business managers, IBEW International President Lonnie R. Stephenson said, “EVITP is a nationally recognized training standard for installing electric vehicle supply equipment, and the federal government is expected to require the training, which it considers essential to the safe long-term operation and maintenance of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This advanced skill program builds on the platform of qualified electricians’ extensive knowledge, skills and experience, so EVITP certification is easily accomplished for many IBEW journey-level workers, requiring a short, 20-hour course, available in person at IBEW training centers and online.”

LU 24 Pres. Sam Curreri Part Of Labor Delegation To Atlantic Trade Talks

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Baltimore Local 24 President Sam Curreri, third from left, was among the labor delegation to meet with
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and her counterpart from the United Kingdom, International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan.

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, along with her counterpart from the United Kingdom, International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, met with business and labor leaders at the Port of Baltimore on March 21 to discuss Atlantic trade. Local 24 President Sam Curreri was part of that group, there to be a voice for our members during the roundtable summit.

Discussions over terms of a bilateral trade agreement under consideration between the U.S. and U.K. changed when the Biden administration took over, Curreri said. Talks shifted away from a free trade agreement (FTA) model. An article on Politico predicted that in current negotiations, “Tai will emphasize several key priorities in her discussions with Trevelyan, the senior USTR official said. Those include enhancing labor rights, making workplaces safer, supporting domestic investments, building more competitive workforces…”

Curreri said he was glad to participate in talks representing labor in a global trade setting and cautioned that even industrialized countries like the United States and the United Kingdom need to be mindful of
agreements allowing supply chains that include factories with exploited workers in underdeveloped countries.

According to The Washington Post, “areas that Tai and Trevelyan said they’d work on include:

• Helping small and medium-sized businesses to trade by identifying barriers and sharing best practices

• Supporting the digitalization of transactions and trading systems

• Develop inclusive trade policies, protecting labor rights and tackling forced labor

• Building more resilient supply chains, in particular for food

“There are no better folks to sit at the table than folks who negotiate a contract every couple of years,” Curreri said. “I hope I have the opportunity to go back.”

Prior to meeting with the labor delegation, Ambassador Tai and Secretary Trevelyan participated in a tour led by Maryland Port Administration Executive Director William Doyle. Ambassador Tai and Secretary Trevelyan were joined by Senator Ben Cardin, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.

Following the tour, Ambassador Tai noted the important role the Port of Baltimore plays in U.S. commerce and trade policy. She also emphasized how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help the Port of Baltimore, and ensure the United States maintains its global competitive edge.

Portions of this article originally appeared in the most recent edition of the I.B.E.W.’S Building America Back Better Newsletter.

We Can All Help Prevent Suicide

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Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It causes immeasurable pain, suffering and loss to individuals, families and communities nationwide. The causes of suicide are complex and determined by multiple combinations of factors, such as mental illness, substance abuse, painful losses, exposure to violence and social isolation.

Many people are uncomfortable with the topic of suicide. As a result, people rarely communicate openly about suicide. Therefore, an important public health problem is left hidden in secrecy, which can hinder effective prevention efforts.

Preventing suicide
Although it may be difficult to approach the topic of suicide, reach out to those who are in distress. Often, family and friends are the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide and can be the first step toward helping an at-risk individual find treatment with someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.

5 steps for helping someone who may be suicidal

• Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

• Keep them safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

• Be there: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

• Help them connect: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your phone so it’s there when you need it: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also help the at-risk person make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor or mental health professional to reach out to when suicidal thoughts arise.

• Stay connected: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

It can be frightening when a friend or loved one reveals or shows signs of suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. In an emergency, dial 911 immediately.


For in-the-moment support and a referral to professional, short-term counseling, call SupportLinc, your employee assistance program at 1-888-881-LINC (5462). SupportLinc provides confidential assistance and resources 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

More resources from SupportLinc, your EAP.

Tips for staying mentally healthy

Suicide prevention in the workplace

Signs of emotional health concern

For survivors of suicide loss

22nd Annual Family Picnic Is Sunday, August 14

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Get your tickets now, for a fun-filled day with your family and your fellow Local 24 members. Our 22nd Annual Family Picnic will be held at Conrad’s Ruth Villa and will feature games and fun activities for all ages and lots of tasty food.

 

Tickets are $10 for members or $25 for member + family.

All requests for tickets must be postmarked no later than Monday, July 25, 2022.

If purchasing tickets in person, at the union hall, tickets must be purchased by July 29, 2022.

 

 

Credit card payment will be accepted for tickets.

 

If you have not received your order form in the mail, or you have other questions, please call the Hall at 410 247-5511.

Local 24 Scholarship Applications Have Been Mailed

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Business Manager Mike McHale is pleased to announce that the IBEW Local 24 Scholarship Fund will again be awarding scholarships this year. Information packages including application forms have been mailed to all active members.

All active members in good standing and their dependents, who are enrolled or will be enrolled in an institution of higher education, are eligible to apply. Scholarship applications must be postmarked before September 1, 2022.

Scholarship winners will be selected randomly from the pool of qualified applicants. This is an equal opportunity scholarship. The award is to be considered without regard to race, gender, religion, age or disability or any other consideration prohibited by law.

Scholarships are not need-based, and applicants do not need to meet a certain income level to qualify for the scholarships.

Please contact Neil Wilford at 410 247-3313 or ibewlocal24scholarships@gmail.com if you have any questions.

It’s OK to Discuss Mental Health

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Bringing up the topic of mental health to someone can seem intimidating. You may feel uncomfortable, unsure of what to say or be afraid of offending them. And yet, these discussions are key to reducing stigma and breaking down barriers that keep individuals from seeking support and treatment. Take the first step towards becoming more comfortable discussing mental health by watching the short flash course, “Start the Conversation.” Afterwards, explore some of the tips below for helpful word choices and conversation starters.

  1. Ask, “Are you okay?” Sometimes, asking someone how they feel can open the door to providing support. Rather than immediately asking about a difficult subject matter that may make someone uncomfortable, this simple check-in can help all parties ease into the conversation.
  2. Avoid stigmatized word choices. Choosing words wisely can help with expressing thoughts and ideas respectfully. Certain words and phrases such as “addict,” “crazy,” or “suffering from” have negative connotations that reinforce mental health stigma. Instead, opt for neutral word choices such as “experiencing” or “has a history of.”
  3. Say, “I’ve noticed that…” Open the conversation by explaining behavior changes you’ve noticed. Then, express genuine concern and really listen to the other party’s response. Use the technique of repeating back what you’ve heard to ensure your understanding is clear.
  4. Use “person-first” language. People are not defined by their mental illness. Instead of saying “someone is mentally ill,” which equates person and illness, use person-first language such as “someone has mental illness.” If you’re not sure what word choices might be best, ask the other person. Follow their lead and ask for their guidance if you have concerns.
  5. Show empathy and offer support. This might seem intuitive, but showing respect, compassion and empathy for someone’s feelings can help them feel understood and be more willing to share. Try responding with phrases such as, “that sounds hard to manage” or “I’m sorry things are difficult right now.” Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if the person seems upset or confused.

1in5.info

The 1 in 5 campaign focuses on normalizing the need for mental health resources and removing stigma for those who want to access care. Increasing comfort and confidence with talking about mental health concerns is key to reducing stigma. Visit the 1 in 5 website at www.1in5.info to explore a variety of helpful resources including flash courses, educational tip sheets, a mental health self-assessment, external links to podcasts and more.

Need further support? For confidential guidance and resources to help with life’s stressors, contact SupportLinc EAP by calling 1-888-881-5462.