President's message

The start of a new year is always an exciting time. It is an opportunity to start fresh, recalibrate, and focus on what awaits us over the next 12 months.

In 2024, we have a great deal to prepare for.

On top of an exciting slate of upcoming events, including the upcoming Paraeducator Conference, the 2024 election will be one of the most significant in recent memory.

School board seats, every congressional seat, every Assembly seat, half the state Senate seats, a U.S. Senate seat and the presidency are on the ballot this year, which means so is the future of our members – both active and retired.

It is vital to elect pro-labor candidates to those seats to fight for us throughout the state and in Washington D.C. We have been fortunate to celebrate many legislative victories but it only takes one bad election year to undo those advances. It is vital that we protect our hard-earned rights during this year’ elections.

CSEA has created a voter guide to assist you in filling out your ballot this election season and if you would like to take the extra step and campaign for endorsed candidates in your area, I encourage you to sign up to volunteer and spread the word about them to fellow members.

As much as this time of year reminds us of preparation, the reality of a new year is that there is so much we cannot anticipate – both good and bad.

Life comes at us unexpectedly and in those times, CSEA is here for you.

The Dorothy Bjork Assistance Fund provides financial relief to members in need through two programs: The Emergency Assistance Program and the Humanitarian Assistance Program.

In this issue of Focus, you will read about Susan Zarate-Sandoval's story. Susan had referred members to the Assistance Fund for years and never expected she would be the one in need. But when her husband suffered an unexpected medical emergency, she was able to get relief from her household bills with help from the Assistance Fund.

This is why the Assistance Fund exists – to support each other when times are hard. CSEA designates every February as Have-a-Heart Month to focus on raising money for the fund and continue to help members like Susan. I encourage you to read her story and consider donating for all our CSEA siblings who may need a helping hand one day.

We have proven that our strength comes when we stand together. Now, it is time to show what our solidarity can achieve not just at the polls but for each other.

As always, our solidarity will be our strength in 2024.