March 14, 2013
Greetings my Sisters and Brothers, stepping up quickly without the benefit of an election transition, has kept us extremely busy. It’s our time for assessment and reflection, investing in a new beginning. NO MORE DARK DAYS!!!
The month of March introduces a season of transformation and peace but it also recognizes a special time in our labor movement. Women’s History month. As your “first” sister representative in an evolving Local Union, I am so proud of all of our sisters in leadership; past and present (Officer, Chairperson, Chapter President, Committee Leader, Delegate or active member) I am so pleased. Your confidence and sense of service to the membership is on the rise and you are becoming more involved, assuming your share of this challenging responsibility. We will thrive because your voices together with others will help to amplify our mission.
Looking forward: we must prioritize our energy around organizing internally, member to member and externally, our local membership must embrace our community. We want to stay visible not wither up and disappear. If I could encapsulate, in one short sentence, the purpose of the Local’s call, it would be to support, empower, provide hope, share necessary information and strive to optimize our constitution and employment rights.
To that end, in just 33+ quick days with a clear direction and intense focus, President Fort and I have begun moving on the following matters:
- Grievance and disciplinary advise
- Meetings with DC37 program personnel
- Meetings with influential Politicians
- Appearances at several Chapter meetings
- Hosting our Chapter Presidents Working forums
- Discussing Strategies regarding contract negotiations
- “Lobby Day On The Hill,” AFSCME Legislative Conference Washington, DC
- Lobby Day, AFSCME Albany, New York
