Page 6 - Work Force April 2019

Putnam blitz
builds awareness,
strengthens leadership
CARMEL — While the Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 case is behind us, the need for one-on-one conversations with our members hasn’t changed.
That’s what activists from the Putnam County Local, volunteers from other locals, and staff confirmed when they spent three days in mid-March knocking on doors and visiting with members
at their homes, an opportunity that allowed us to answer questions and hear feedback from members while making sure they’re also aware of the vast resources available to them through our union.
“We were excited to be part
of this interactive movement to connect with our brothers and sisters,” said Putnam County
Local President Jane Meunier. “We were able to hear a lot of positive comments about being union, get numerous recommitment cards signed, and also identify some issues that need to be addressed. After the blitz, we feel stronger than ever and like a force to be reckoned with.”
Members receiving home visits had the opportunity to share their thoughts and ask questions they might not raise in a group setting such as a membership meeting. The outreach also allowed for two-way conversations reinforcing the importance of being union.
“When you’re part of anything, whether it’s a union or a sports team, you’re always stronger
when you work together,” said Haldane School District Unit President Anthony Stronconi,
who volunteered for his first blitz. “Until I was 50, I always worked in construction. If I was out of work,
I wasn’t getting paid. It gives me a true appreciation for what we have because we’re union.”
Southern Region President Billy Riccaldo said the successful blitz reinforced the continued need for member engagement.
“Whether it’s a bargaining unit with only a handful of people or
a group that is thousands strong, every member deserves one-on-one outreach, which helps us build a stronger CSEA,” Riccaldo said.
— Jessica Ladlee
Statewide Secretary Denise Berkley, left, speaks with CSEA Employee Benefit Fund Senior Benefits Specialist Jordan Rider, center, and Suzanne Carter of the CSEA Joint Committee on Health Benefits during the first day of the Putnam County member engagement blitz.
6 The Work Force
April 2019
One of the teams knocking on doors during the Putnam County member engagement blitz consisted of, from left, Putnam County Local Executive Vice President Mark Semo, Putnam County Local President Jane Meunier, and Dutchess County Education Local Executive Vice President Lynne Gamache.
Haldane School District Unit President Anthony Stronconi was one of the unit presidents from the Putnam County Local volunteering for our member engagement blitz there.
Southern Region President Billy Riccaldo, left, teams up with SUNY New Paltz Local Executive Vice President Fred DeStefano for an afternoon of member home visits.
A group of volunteers gathered at the conclusion of the member engagement blitz. Pictured, from left: SUNY New Paltz Local President Anthony Adamo, Dutchess County Unit Secretary Karla Friedle, Dutchess County Education Local Executive Vice President Lynne Gamache, Putnam County Local Executive Vice President Mark Semo, Herkimer County Local President Beth Hall, CSEA Secretarial Office Assistant Kimberly Morales, Dutchess County Unit 1st Vice President Mary Brown, and Dutchess County Local President Liz Piraino.