A union is so much more than the elected members of the executive board. The University Staff Association cultivates a grassroots, bottom-up style of organizing in which rank-and-file members like YOU are enabled to lead. Carve your own path and help your union grow in strength and power.
New Employee Orientation (NEO)
Everyone’s union journey starts somewhere. By leading an NEO, you may be someone’s first impression as to what a unionized workplace is, and get to share what you love about being unionized with your new coworkers. We have a framework available along with welcome packets, and you will have the opportunity to shadow an NEO before running your own.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour session, 1-2 times per semester (on a rotating schedule)
- Release time is available
- Contact Membership Coordinator Antonia Lynch for more details
Stewards Council
The Stewards Council is a great place to jump into union work. In fact, much of USA’s current leadership got their experience in large part by volunteering as stewards.
By responding to members’ issues, you will quickly learn to reference the contract and better understand it for yourself. While it may feel daunting at first, the Council is available to assist in all member outreach, so you are never on your own.
- Time Commitment: 2 hour meeting once a month, 1-5 hours of member outreach/month
- Release time is available
- Contact Chief Steward Camille Godbout-Chouinard for more details
10:1 Network
If being a steward seems like too much of a commitment right now, joining the new 10:1 Network is a great stepping stone. We will give you a contact list of 10(ish) members and a draft of what to communicate to them. You report back with any comments, questions, or anything else you find interesting. We will meet on occasion to discuss how the process is working and how it can improve.
Reach out to the USA office or your Steward if you are interested in helping to form this crucial communication network!
Our siblings in PSU have made a great video to demonstrate how the process works:
Committees
Joining one of the over 10 established committees is a great way to build your organizing muscles along with like-minded members.
- Organizing Committee – Plan actions, membership meetings, and defend the contract when it is under threat. Organizing Committee meets every Friday at noon on Zoom. If you’re interested in learning more or joining the team, contact Ian Sedelow.
- Communications Committee – Keep members informed and engaged with the union through emails, newsletters, social media, the website, and more! If you’re interested in learning more or joining the Communications team, contact Deborah Place.
- Health and Safety Committee – Discuss and address health & safety related issues our members experience in the workplace. From mold, pests, and temperature issues to accessibility to snow and ice removal, the Health & Safety committee advocates for a safe working environment on campus! If you’re interested in learning more or joining the Health & Safety team, contact Casey Krone.
- Learn more about our Committees & Councils.
