The Raw Facts won three awards at the LUPA (UAW Local Union Press Associations) Conference at Black Lake in April. The awards were for the 2006 issues of the papers. We compete in a division which has other locals who publish tabloid size papers. Below is the list of awards, the category, the article or issue and the judges’ comments.

"Black Monday Response" (RF, Feb) by President Ralph Mayer

Judges’ comments: When you can feel the passion just by reading the words on a page then e regard that writing as first rate. We felt the passion in this article. The thoughts and emotions were expressed clearly and concisely, and communicated with us in a memorial way.

"Just Last Night" (RF May) by Jim Wallace -- In May issue with graphics

Judges’ comments: First-rate, powerful piece giving us an inside look at the emotional map of a Vietnam War veteran. Memorable use of language and imagery. The effort here shares the vet’s sorrows and darkness, while somehow managing to let in some light. The writing is easy to read, but we imagine it was not easy to write. The trick of a real craftsman is to make the difficult look easy. Well done.

March, May and June/July issues

Judges’ comments: The judges were impressed with the "Meet your co-workers" column, the financial reporting, and the informative package presented to readers. The feature "Just Last Night" was poignant, thought provoking, and deserves a wider audience.

As Editor I’d like to say thank you to the membership for supporting the paper, thank you to the contributors -- elected and appointed people, members, joint program workers – and thank you to the UAW PR Department staff who support and encourage our work. I’d also like to thank Rockman and Sons Publishing, especially Denise Adamski, who gives our paper such a great look and wonderful special touches.

Anne Drake