The tragic death of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin is still fresh in the minds of many 1199SEIU Florida caregivers, a regular topic of discussion in the break rooms of our hospitals and nursing homes and at the kitchen table.



Many personal stories and emotions have been shared about the tragedy and how it has affected the lives of our members in a personal way, but a common thread in each discussion is the fact that we must do everything we can to place a greater value on life and prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future.



1199SEIU executive vice president Monica Russo issued a statement to the media on behalf of the thousands of Florida nurses and healthcare workers represented by 1199SEIU.



“We continue to be compassionately determined to stand up against inequality in Trayvon’s honor,” said Russo. “No parent should live in fear that their child could be shot because of the color of his or her skin. May God Bless Trayvon Martin's soul and give our communities the strength to carry the mantle by tirelessly confronting racism and injustice in Florida and across the country, in Trayvon's name."



Seeking justice for Trayvon, 1199SEIU Florida caregivers also took action on March 20 in communities across Florida and in the facilities where our members work as a part of the “The 100 City Justice for Trayvon Vigils” organized by the National Action Network, including vigils and actions in Miami, Orlando and Sanford. Many of our members who were working at the time of the vigils held a moment of silence, in memory of Trayvon.



1199SEIU members have also been supporting the efforts of the Dream Defenders and allies who have been staging a peaceful sit-in since July 16 in Governor Rick Scott’s office in Tallahassee until the governor calls a special session to address the stand your ground law, racial profiling and the school to prison pipeline affecting so many minorities.



You can take action today by signing the Dream Defenders’ petition calling for the passage of the Trayvon Martin Civil Rights Act:



http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/gov-scott-honor-the-memory