On January 26, 2012, a small group of women from the “IBEW Wives” Facebook group banded together with the idea of hosting a basket raffle to raise funds for the family of John Plante, a Journeyman Lineman from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 104, who had tragically been involved in a fatality on the job. Their search for non-profit organizations to donate the funds to turned up no results. Frustrated by the lack of charities dedicated to linemen, especially given the dangers of the profession, this ignited the mission of NSUJL.

They persevered through months of legal hurdles that seemed endless. With no startup money, the original officers, directors, and members, driven by a passionate determination to help families, donated from their own pockets to cover the “startup” expenses. When NSUJL officially became a membership organization in April 2012, those funds helped pay the $850 IRS filing fee and $500 for an accountant to complete NSUJL’s tax-exempt form 1023. Another significant expense was the $1400 required for Directors and Officers Insurance. Unable to pay it all upfront, they spread these payments over several months, scraping together the funds to do so.

While navigating legalities, the operations began to take shape. Donations to families initially came from officers, directors, and members’ pockets, with a $300 check to a family feeling like a tremendous achievement. Little did they know, things were about to change.

On March 8, 2012, with only 21 members, the first board of directors was appointed. The dedication required was immense, with weekly board meetings lasting 2-3 hours. They meticulously voted on every detail of the organization, including its name. Members worked over 40 volunteer hours a week to finalize the legalities and remained focused on the goal of helping families.

The next major task was to gain support from IBEW Locals across the country. On March 21, 2012, they received their first donation from IBEW Local 222 in FL. The membership was overwhelmed with joy and pride, feeling reinvigorated to continue. The support from IBEW Locals grew, with more calling, sending letters of support, and donations.

On May 9, 2012, Ed Mings, an International Representative from the IBEW’s International office in Washington, DC, called. The IBEW International welcomed NSUJL with open arms. Two founding members, Rae Johnson and Terry Riffe, attended NSUJL’s first IBEW Conference in July 2012.

In October 2012, IBEW International President Ed Hill issued a letter recommending all IBEW Locals support and contribute to NSUJL. This was just the beginning. NSUJL officers and directors also reached out to companies for product donations to help raise funds through basket giveaways.

The first major companies to support NSUJL were Tyndale, Bashlin Industries, and Farwest Line Specialties. These three remain NSUJL’s largest sponsors. Since then, several other companies such as Service Electric, Hubbell, Buckingham, Linemen’s Supply, Valiant, and many others have supported NSUJL and its mission. IBEW Locals also started to sign on as Associate Members, with Local 1439 being the first, soon followed by Locals 47, 53, 55, 71, 220, 222, 304, 369, 738, 769, 1002, 1245, 1393, and 2150.

In January 2013, just before NSUJL’s 1-year anniversary, the IRS approved NSUJL’s 501(c)(3) status, backdating it to February 29, 2012, the day the Articles of Incorporation were filed in PA, marking the beginning of endless opportunities.

In May 2014, shortly after NSUJL’s 2-year anniversary, they welcomed the first IBEW representatives as board members, bringing with them a combined 123 years of IBEW experience and management.

Today, thanks to the tremendous support from the IBEW, numerous companies, and our members, NSUJL continues to hold the annual Climbing for Lost Linemen ceremony and Linemen Benefit Rodeo every June in PA. Additionally, we are grateful for the invitations to various events, conferences, and Lineman rodeos across the nation.