A vital way we can strengthen our union is through officer training.
CSEA’s statewide officers organize multiple sessions, both in person and virtually, to make this mandatory training accessible in every region. Officers, both new and experienced, are required by the our union’s constitution to attend these trainings in their first year of office and once every four years if they remain in the same position.
While officer trainings focus on teaching new and experienced officers about constitutional and financial standards, as well as local and unit structure, they have much broader impact. These trainings build relationships, share effective strategies and foster momentum and passion for the work being done at every level of CSEA.
CSEA Executive Vice President Richard Bebo, Statewide Secretary Stacey Baldwin Deyo, and Statewide Treasurer Nicole Meeks have worked to ensure every officer leaves with a better understanding of the responsibilities of their position.
They approach each training ready to break down guidelines for local and unit officers in their respective roles while also sharing their own experiences.
“We teach the rules and regulations in the constitution, but you also have a responsibility to your members to be selfless, to be open minded, and to be able to communicate,” said Bebo. “Leadership isn’t something that can be taught only through a handbook, so I try to share my experiences; things that I’ve gone through and learned.”
Building connections
Through these shared experiences, relationships are built. Patchogue-Medford School District Unit President Peter Starken said he valued how officers attending the president/vice president training were able to build “a solid connection” with Bebo on a personal level.
“They are here to help us the way we are here to help our union members,” said Starken.
“To take advantage of that time and utilize those tools was such a unique experience that I believe really did create a lot more motivation for activism.”
The relationship built between local and unit officers and statewide officers extend beyond the training sessions. Bebo, Baldwin Deyo, and Meeks encourage open lines of communication, make their contact information easily accessible, and assure officers.
“If I don’t know the answer, I will find it out,” said Meeks.
Dutchess County Local Treasurer Devin Rigolino said he feels supported by Meeks as he navigates a large local with numerous units. He began by attending a virtual training and then attended an in person training.
“I really want to understand this role,” said Rigolino.
As a first-time treasurer, Rigolino said attending the trainings more than once allowed him to gain a better understanding of his office. Having Meeks’ support and one-on-one guidance as he continues to grow as an officer and carry out his responsibilities has proven to be invaluable.
“It’s so great to have the team at the statewide office because they are so supportive,” said Rigolino. “When you’re in the training, what’s discussed makes sense, but when you’re doing these things, it can be more intimidating.”
“The trainings give them guidance, but sometimes, it’s walking them through the process and having them understand what they’re doing,” said Meeks.
Shared learning
Understanding their role also means understanding our union as a whole.
“Each statewide officer provides more than a training,” said Baldwin Deyo. “We’re giving you that network to other members and to the ins and outs of CSEA.”
While statewide officers bring extensive experience and a deep understanding of union leadership, they also continue learning through every training they conduct.
“Every training I go to, I’m learning something new that I can then add to my own training,” said Baldwin Deyo. “I’m taking away just as much information from the officers as they’re taking away from me.”
This open dialogue and shared learning underscore why taking advantage of these educational opportunities is essential to building and strengthening our union. When officers attend officer trainings, grievance and discipline trainings, and other workshops, the benefits extend beyond our union itself.
“When you learn how to take care of yourself through your activism, the laws, and your rights, your quality of life and the community you’re in will flourish,” said Starken. “It starts with being educated.”
While first-time officers may feel apprehensive when stepping into this new role, they are welcomed into a conversation that fosters discussion and encourages questions, helping them navigate their responsibilities with confidence.
“After taking Stacey’s training, it feels less scary,” said Veronica Rogers, recording secretary of Erie County’s Downtown Section, who left her first training as an officer feeling “more empowered and excited” to such an extent that she went on the website and signed up for more trainings.
Trainings evolve
While officers must fill the officer training requirements, they are encouraged to attend the training more than once to stay informed and better serve members.
“Not only do trainings evolve each year with new information and updates, but the more we educate, the stronger our membership is,” said Meeks.
Officer trainings are offered both in person and virtually. This hybrid approach emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic and revealed new, effective ways to connect while making educational opportunities more accessible and easier to balance work and personal life.
“I’ve learned so much with this hybrid style in the last year or two that my activism has been completely different,” said Starken. “I’m way more involved now because I can see that there is more positive effect for what I’m doing for people.”
“Officers are encouraged to take advantage of these educational opportunities because there is always something, whether it be in a training or conversation, that you can learn,” said Bebo.
Trainings and workshops are promoted by region offices, listed in President Mary E. Sullivan’s Weekly Leadership Update, and available online at cseany.org.
— Alexandra Whitbeck
