Page 4 - Work Force June 2021

President Mary E. Sullivan in touch with
Long Island Region: WENDI BOWIE (631) 462-0030
Metropolitan Region: DAVID GALARZA (212) 406-2156
Southern Region: JESSICA LADLEE (845) 831-1000
Capital Region: THERESE ASSALIAN (518) 782-4400
Central Region: NICHOLAS NEWCOMB (315) 728-3375
Western Region: OVE OVERMYER (716) 691-6555
Headquarters: JILL ASENCIO (518) 257-1276
WorkForce ISSN 1522-1091
Official publication of
CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO 143 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12210-2303
Mary E. Sullivan, President
MARK M. KOTZIN
Director of Communications and Publisher
MATHEW L. CANTORE Deputy Director of Communications
JANICE GAVIN Editor
JASON D. HOSIER Graphic Production Specialist
BETH MCINTYRE Graphic Production Specialist
JOELLE LUCENTE Communications Assistant
CommuniCations speCialists
Karen Bright
Tim Finnigan Michele Kiuber
Marnie Rounds Marie Snyder Chris Vogel
The Publications Committee:
The Work Force (USPS 0445-010)
is published monthly by
The CSEA Publication Office:
143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210. Periodical Mail Postage paid at
Post Office,
Albany, New York 12288,
and additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to: CSEA, Attn: Membership Department, 143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210
Readers: Send any comments, complaints, suggestions or ideas to: Publisher, The Work Force
143 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210-2303
CSEA online: cseany.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube:
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WorkForce
SJisters and Brothers:
Do you know why I see these things? Because I follow the wisdom of the mother of Mr. Fred Rogers, who told him to
“look for the helpers.” When you look for the people who help others, you see the kindness, compassion, empathy and care that they deliver. Thanks to my position
in our union, I’m fortunate to work with these leaders and see these qualities in them on a regular basis. Because I look for these things, I never take them for granted. I hope that you will join me in looking for the helpers, and recognizing them to be your union officers. They deserve your thanks as well.
The
Looking for the Helpers
uly 1, our union will install officers to
serve new four-year terms at the Local and Unit levels. Before this happens, I’d like to recognize all our great officers who have previously stepped up to serve, as well as those about to serve.
I’ve said it many times — CSEA is
a member-run union. It only functions
well when members take the time to get involved. One of the most important
ways members can be involved is to step up to run for union office and serve in a leadership role. Our elected officers are how we maintain a presence in the workplace. They are the people who do the important work of keeping the lines of communication open between our union leaders, staff, and members. They also help facilitate the day- to-day operations of our union, including handling representation issues, workplace concerns and safety matters, negotiating contracts, running union meetings, and so much more.
As we get ready to start our new officer terms, I offer my sincere thanks to all who previously served but will no longer hold officer positions after July 1. I appreciate all you have put into our union for the last four years or more of representing your co- workers.
For most of our union officers, it’s a volunteer job. Most who step up to serve
do it out of the goodness of their hearts, on their own time and on their own dime. They volunteer their time and talents to represent their co-workers, often giving up time with their families to make sure their co-workers have representation.
I also welcome all those returning to hold office for four more years. You have my gratitude for knowing how difficult this work can be, but returning anyways, because you care.
It’s all too often a thankless job, offering little in the way of reward. The best reward most of us ever get is the satisfaction that we know we helped our fellow members achieve things like fairness, dignity, respect, and recognition. Because these things are not something you can easily see, they get taken by granted by far too many members.
Finally, I want to welcome our incoming crop of brand-new CSEA officers who will be serving for the first time. Let me remind you of Mr. Rodgers’ advice: look for the helpers. Whether it’s our former union officers, our union staff, or myself and the rest of our statewide leadership team, look for us... reach out to us. We are all invested in helping you be the best leaders you can be and making our union stronger through your success. It will be my pleasure to serve alongside you.
4 The Work Force
June 2021
I want you to know that I see the hard work, dedication, and time that our elected leaders put in on behalf of their co-workers. I see their commitment to trying to make things better.
In solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan, President