Images(2)

Button, Political

Object number2024.10.9

Date2016

MediumMetal; Plastic; Paper; Ink

Credit LineGift of Joyce Bender

DescriptionCircular political pinback button. Front has paper background that has baby blue border and navy blue central background featuring white Liberty Bell at center flanked by yellow stars. Front has navy blue text around the perimeter and white text above and below bell. Button has clear plastic cover. Paper front and plastic cover are crimped around the perimeter. Shiny silver metal backer with horizontal pinback across top center. DimensionsDiameter x Depth: 3 x 0.313 in. (7.6 x 0.8 cm)
InscriptionsFront has navy blue text across top perimeter "DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION" and bottom perimeter "PA DELEGATION".

Front has white text above Liberty Bell "PHILADELPHIA" and below "2016".
MarksSide has navy blue union label printed at 4:00 with text "GCIU" and "600-M".
Historical NotesPolitical button. New Galilee, Pennsylvania native Joyce Bender worked as an IT recruiter in Pittsburgh in the 1980s. A request to train students with disabilities in resume writing and interviewing at the Community College of Allegheny County’s Institute of Handicapped Children led to a pivot in her career. Joyce realized that people with disabilities were underemployed and not utilizing their skills and degrees. She started Bender Consulting which focused on finding competitive employment for people with disabilities in the IT sector. As an adult, Bender was diagnosed with epilepsy and lost hearing in her right ear as a result of fall related to a seizure. Through Bender’s advocacy, CCAC rebranded this program as the Institute of Advanced Technology. She became known for her saying, “People with disabilities need paychecks not pity.”

Previous owner Joyce Cilitti Bender

Related institution Bender Consulting Services, Inc.

Previous owner Democratic Party

Related institution Graphic Communications International Union

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