Ulster blitz fosters conversations, builds understanding 

KINGSTON — Our union is diving back into member engagement blitzes, kicking off the efforts in June by hearing from CSEA members residing in Ulster County in a series of worksite visits and one-on-one conversations at members’ homes. 

This member-driven initiative took place over the better part of a week in early June, with CSEA activists from the Southern Region stepping up to help, both with planning logistics and on the ground, knocking on members’ doors and hearing their feedback. 

This particular blitz targeted members of the Ulster County Local, SUNY New Paltz Local, Highland Secure Center Local and Taconic State Parks Local. As this edition went to press, a blitz in the Western Region was scheduled to focus on members in the Monroe County area. 

“The most positive takeaway for me was to see how much support we have from CSEA,” said Ulster County Local President Sheri Farrell. “The amount of volunteers that took five days out of their lives to come to Ulster County was moving. To see members from surrounding locals volunteer to assist with the blitz was heartwarming. It is times like this when you can feel the solidarity.” 

While the goal of the blitz was to hear feedback directly from our union members, the outreach allowed leaders to answer specific questions. Ulster County Unit President Tina Buono said she appreciated the chance to answer questions about ongoing contract negotiations and hear feedback about elements of the unit’s contract campaign. 

“Aside from being able to interact with members I wouldn’t regularly come into contact with, the worksite visits and outreach in the communities provided real time feedback on our current methods of communicating negotiations updates with our union members, as well as discuss how future communication will include notifications through the MyCSEA App,” said Buono. “Knowing what is working and what may need tweaking will prove to be invaluable as we continue to negotiate for the best outcome for all of our members.” 

During worksite meetings, CSEA officers heard feedback from members who’d already received house visits from our team of volunteers. Ulster County Unit member Rebecca Flynn, a crime victims’ advocate for the county, said the team visiting her house were friendly and quickly identified themselves as from our union. 

“They wanted my thoughts on what other resources they could provide and feedback on our current union contract negotiations,” said Flynn. 

Keeping our union connected with members was a key goal. Members who interacted with blitz volunteers completed contact information cards to ensure we have the most accurate information on file. Many members also downloaded the MyCSEA App after seeing blitz volunteers demonstrate the app’s many convenient features. 

— Jessica Ladlee 

Photos by Sara McNicholas and Jessica Ladlee