POUGHKEEPSIE — With word spreading about our union’s member engagement outreach across the state, CSEA activists from the greater Poughkeepsie area were recently fired up to go door-to-door to speak with our union about the serious challenges facing working people.
More than 30 members joined staff in making home visits to members working in some of Dutchess County’s local municipalities and school districts. Not only did Dutchess County Local President Liz Piraino and Dutchess County Education Local President Scott Rajczi recruit activists to reach out to their colleagues, state and local government activists working at SUNY New Paltz, Ulster County, Taconic State Park and Westchester Medical Center also volunteered.
Not only was the response during member visits positive, the CSEA member volunteers said they found the day of outreach invigorating.
“We’re all trying to get out there and get the word out so members know what’s going on,” said Brenda McKinney, Poughkeepsie School District Cafeteria Unit secretary, who was teamed up for the day with Statewide Political Action Committee Chair Anthony Adamo, who also serves as the SUNY New Paltz Local president. “There’s a lot at stake and we’re lucky to have a union to back us 100 percent.”
Poughkeepsie School District Unit activist Tyreck Douglas said the day of outreach was a good chance to educate members about national and state issues.
“People were very interested in hearing what’s going on with the Right-to-Work push and the state Constitutional Convention vote,” Douglas said.
