Jonas, Gilbert

Gilbert Jonas was educated at Stanford University. In addition he received a graduate certificate in Chinese Studies from the East Asian Institute of Columbia University, along with a master's degree from columbia's school of International Affairs. From 1956 to 1959, Jonas held various positions in organizations concentrating on international affairs, particularly Vietnam. In 1958, Jonas became Executive Secretary of the American Friends of Vietnam (AFV), which publicly supported American relations with the Vietnamese government and sought to educate America about Vietnam. He was also deeply involved with the Intenational Rescue Committee (IRC), the Roger Baldwin Foundation, and the Peace Corps.

Gilbert Jonas was born in 1930 and began his work in public relations in 1955 in New York City. Jonas's association with AFSCME grew out of his relationship with Jerry Wurf, District Council 37's Executive Director at the time (Wurf later became International President of AFSCME from 1964-1981). Jonas's public relations firm, which began working for DC 37 in 1962, prepared and placed press releases for the union in local and national media outlets. Jonas's firm again worked for Wurf in 1968-69, to assist with the development of District Council 50. Jonas's work with DC 50 pertained to the State Mental Hospital workers, who went on strike in November 1968.