To: All Local 36 Members
From: Women's Advisory Committee

The WAC realizes the unique needs of our members when it comes to child care.  We understand that affordable and quality care is almost impossible to find.  When you add the need for non-traditional hours to the equation the situation becomes even more challenging. This is why the WAC has asked the Washington Child Development Council to provide us with a list of child care centers and home providers that operate non-traditional hours.  Members should keep in mind that some of these facilities provide discounts to employees of public safety so make sure you inquire about the availability of these discounts.

Child Care Centers and Home Providers

In the spring of 1998 the Washington DC Fire Fighters Association Local-36 led by President Raymond Sneed established the Women's Advisory Committee.  This committee was originally formed to help channel the concerns of women fire fighters to the union leadership.  It also offered education and training for not only women fire fighters but the entire local.  President Sneed appointed fire fighter Tomi Rucker to chair the committee and get it running.  Once a month a meeting will be held at Engine 24 to discuss and work on different projects.

The WAC was directly responsible for the writing and implementation of the current maternity policy.  We are also responsible for the ordering of uniform skirts and maternity clothing. We have been very active in the the recruitment of women into the fire service. The committee has established an outreach program with the House of Ruth which is a home for homeless and battered women in our community.  The newly appointed Women's Program Manager position currently in place was a direct result of a request made by this committee to the Fire Chief.  We have found that the problem solving function of our committee has been one of the most important component.