President's message

CSEA siblings,

It is a new year and we have hit the ground running with meetings and trainings that keep members up-to-date on their union and develop the leaders among us that we need to thrive and grow into the future. I recently returned from our first Regional Representative training of the year, which was held in San Diego. It was energizing to share ideas, advice and enthusiasm with these member leaders who play such a crucial role in our union. I look forward to attending future RR Summits that will be announced soon! These are just some of the many opportunities for you to learn and grow as an active member of CSEA. In just the next six months we have Union Steward Summits for both the north and south, our hugely popular Paraeducator Conference, and our Annual Conference which will be immediately followed by our very first Women’s Conference! Additionally, each field office offers a steady calendar of localized training opportunities for everyone from chapter leaders and site representatives to bargaining team members and union stewards. CSEA is unique in that we are a member-governed union, but to maintain our success and growth we must have a robust team of member leaders who are dedicated to serving our members and have a clear, unified vision for our future. The wide variety of expanded training opportunities that CSEA is offering this year are focused on both building the knowledge and skills of our existing member leaders and initiating new leaders into the workings of our union so they can quickly become effective advocates for the members they represent. If you are already a member leader, please consider signing up to attend a training appropriate for your position. Remember - you aren’t in this alone. CSEA has many experienced leaders who are eager to share their experience and wisdom with you. When I joined CSEA nearly two decades ago, I certainly relied on my elders to not only show me the ropes at work, but also as I took on leadership roles in our union. I still do so today, as your Association President, by seeking out the counsel of past presidents, longtime regional leaders and our rank-and-file members who let me know the successes and the challenges in their local chapters. In CSEA we say we are all in this together, and that is most apparent in how we help each other grow and how we celebrate each other’s accomplishments. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming training event!