When Charles Williams, an 1199 PCA at the Buffalo General Medical Center was asked to introduce the Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer at the Delegate Assembly, he didn’t know that he’d also won a top prize.

It was only later that he learned that he’d convinced the largest number of his fellow members to begin or upgrade their contributions to the Political Action Fund. He’s now planning a trip to California along with another 1199er who works at the same hospital.

Contributions to this fund, known as PAC, are used to build a healthcare workers movement to protect workers rights and counteract wealthy special interests. Every dollar that members contribute goes straight towards supporting the issues and candidates that 1199SEIU members have endorsed.

Williams, who has worked at Buffalo General for 34 years, explained that for him politics is not really about Democrats and Republicans like many people think. It is about issues that have a direct impact on members’ communities. “For instance, they were threatening to close the Women and Children’s Hospital here in Buffalo,” he said. “The Union helped to collect 4,000 signatures and a few years later the Oishei Children’s Hospital was built in its place.”

In Florida, Debra Williams, who works as a Dietary Aide at Tamarac Rehabilitation and Health Center near Fort Lauderdale, also focused on local issues. She was one of the top three competition winners, and was awarded a smart watch.

She reminded her co-workers of political victories that affected them directly. For instance, Temporary Protected Status (TPS)—which Republicans want to remove—is hugely important for Florida members who have Haitian family members. This humanitarian provision allows them to seek safety in the United States. “If we don’t travel to Tallahassee to let our elected representatives know what we need face-to-face, we will not be heard,” explained Williams, “Our PAC dollars allow us to make these trips.”

In Syracuse, NY, Desma Williams, an 1199 Delegate and CNA at the Central Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, was also awarded a smart watch. She said she was never interested in politics or unions growing up. “But when I was dealing with struggles that we have to face at work, I had to speak out about things that are not right.” This passion for justice for herself and her co-workers was the first step to becoming a Delegate.

“Just like in the shop when I tell members that it is not the Union that creates change, but all of us coming together,” It is the same thing on the national stage, she added, “Members have to work to get the right people elected, and then it is up to us and our movement to hold them accountable.”