July 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan, President
