IBEW Local 48 will host its third annual Coin, Pin and Swag Swap Meet Dec. 14. Local 48 President Dave Jacobsen came up with the idea of the swap meet as a way to bring union members together — and raise funds for union committees.
“It’s just a great icebreaker, and it gives them (members) a lot more contacts,” Jacobsen said.
Many IBEW locals produce coins, pins, sweatshirts and other swag, which members often trade at union conventions. Between general IBEW local pride pins, years-of-service pins, and convention pins, members can amass large collections.
Exchanging tokens of solidarity is an easy opener to developing the friendships and mentorships that are important for workers in the construction trades, Jacobsen said.
Coins and pins will be offered for trade. A craft fair, just in time for Christmas shopping, will also allow members or their partners to sell handmade items.
“Whether it be earrings or woodworking, this gives them a chance to display their wares to their brothers and sisters,” Jacobsen said.
Over the first two years, the swap meet raised more than $2,000 for RENEW (Reach out and Engage Next-generation Electrical Workers), a group within Local 48 that aims to galvanize younger members to become active in their union. This year Jacobsen added the Local 48 women’s group Sisters in Solidarity as an additional beneficiary of the fundraiser.
The swap meet will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the IBEW Local 48 meeting hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland. Entry is $5, or $10 for a table to display swap meet or craft fair items.
