LANSING, MI – Today the Michigan AFL-CIO congratulated the winner of the federation’s George Meany Award, an award bestowed in partnership between the AFL-CIO and the Boy Scouts of America. The award is only presented to one scouter annually at the AFL-CIO State Federation level, and has only been presented 2,100 times nationally in nearly 50 years – making it one of the rarest awards in Scouting.
“Working with the youth in scouting is a very rewarding experience. The scout program is proven and provides our youth with a moral compass and life skills to help them be successful as they mature into adults. Helping scouts gain all the knowledge required to earn the Eagle award is all the reward I need, and it keeps me doing what I do in the Scout program,” said Ken FOUNTAIN.
Ken Fountain, a UAW Local 1869 officer and member for over 30 years, was recognized by the Boy Scouts of America and the Michigan AFL-CIO for his volunteer work with the youth organization. Fountain’s time with the Scouts began as a volunteer in 2009. He currently serves as a Chapter Advisor for the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s Honor Society, and also serves as a member of the Blue Water District Program Committee, a committee member of Sea Scouts Ship 109 and Venture Crew 146, and a Counselor for the American Labor Merit Badge.
“George Meany, the AFL-CIO’s first President, recognized the importance of labor investing in America’s future and was a major champion of the Boy Scouts of America,” said Ron BIEBER, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “Ken Fountain is a great example of a union member going above and beyond to better their community. His work with the Boy Scouts of America has helped shape the lives of so many, and we’re proud to honor him with this award.”
“The UAW knows that we are stronger together and that solidarity extends outside of the workplace and into our neighborhoods,” said James HARRIS, Director of UAW Region 1. “We join the Michigan AFL-CIO in celebrating our member Ken Fountain as he receives the George Meany Award for giving back to the Scouting program and exemplifying the importance of community service.”
The AFL-CIO Executive Council established the George Meany Award in 1974 to recognize union members who have made a significant contribution to the youth of their communities by volunteering in the programs of the Boy Scouts of America. The award is named for the AFL-CIO’s first president, a major proponent of Scouting. At the time of its introduction, it was estimated that 1 out of every 4 Scouting volunteers belonged to or had belonged to a union.
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