Editor’s note: Women’s Conference attendees told the following stories during the Sunday plenary program, after they were selected among the stories members told during Saturday breakout sessions of “Our Voice, Our Power.”
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Curtis
Central New York DDSO Local 4th Vice President Terri Curtis joined our union because of her sister.
“I came [into the]union because my sister didn’t have a voice,” said Curtis. “I’m loud and she’s not loud enough.”
Curtis was employed at a private company and was paid well, though her benefits were limited.
“My sister said, ‘Sis, you need a retirement,’” said Curtis.
Curtis took her sister’s advice and soon got a job at the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. She soon got involved in our union, also because of her sister.
“She told me that we need a voice and you got a big one,” said Curtis.
Curtis started out as a steward and eventually became a local officer. She has also been key in efforts to ensure that all CSEA-represented workers at Central New York DDSO become full members.