The greatest virtual conference ever

Last week, CSEA made history hosting our 94th Annual Conference virtually. The theme, 2020 Vision for All, took on new meaning with 3,694 members registering, making this the largest conference on record. The Conference Committee, along with Chair Damian Noriega and CSEA staff, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to successfully re-create an in-person conference in an online environment in just three short months. Based on the many notes of thanks and appreciation I have received this truly was the greatest virtual conference ever. There were many benefits to hosting a virtual conference. This year, members all over the state could attend conference at no cost from the comfort of your own living room. Over 1,900 member visitors and guests took advantage of being part of history. Conference was brought to order on July 20 with 1,717 member delegates in attendance. The first piece of business was to adopt the Special Rules of Order that would allow us to conduct the business of conference in a virtual environment. It was exciting to watch the democracy of our union in action as 1,683 delegate actions were submitted during debate leading to the adoption of the Special Rules of Order. You can read all the conference details in the Conference Recap story in this issue of Focus.

"We will need to harness our strength and unite our voices to continue to protect our members and an advocate for a safe reopening of schools."

Even though this year’s conference was held in a virtual environment, the conference committee, with the support of CSEA staff, did not let that stop them from creating an amazing event filled with live and on-demand content that included educational workshops and key video reports. Special messages from Senator Toni G. Atkins and Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon were received thanking our members for their dedication and the essential work we provide to students every day. Your generosity and commitment to your union brothers and sisters was evident at this year’s conference with a total of $50,000 being raised for the Humanitarian Fund. This year, the Humanitarian Fund Committee held two silent auctions, a live auction with mystery auctioneer “Slim Johnson”, a.k.a. First Vice-President Shane Dishman, and a “virtual” pass the bucket. Once again, our members gave generously, knowing that every dollar goes directly to our members in their time of need. As the second day of business began, delegates came together to listen as budget questions were answered and delegates voted to approve the 2020/2021 budget. This year, the Budget Committee unveiled an improved budget book format that made the review process easier for delegates. As conference concluded, we said goodbye to Area B Director Frank Rodriguez, whose leadership and devotion to our members will be missed not only in Area B but across our association. Colette Hetland has joined the Board of Directors as the new Area B Director. We also installed the duly elected Area Directors (all re-elected) and alternate Area Directors as well as the Retiree Unit Executive Board (view the entire list in this issue of Focus) and afterwards, we all celebrated with a CSEA Dance Party. Brothers and Sisters, I have never been prouder to be part of this union. Not even a pandemic could keep us from coming together to conduct the business of our union. As we continue to forge a path forward during the pandemic, there are many unknowns. One thing we can be sure of is that we are resilient, and we are strong. We will need to harness our strength and unite our voices to continue to protect our members and advocate for a safe reopening of schools. We are essential and will be needed as we prepare for a new way of life. This issue of Focus has many articles and important resources that will help you prepare for school reopening. In closing, please be safe. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and reach out to one another. In solidarity,

The greatest virtual conference ever

Last week, CSEA made history hosting our 94th Annual Conference virtually. The theme, 2020 Vision for All, took on new meaning with 3,694 members registering, making this the largest conference on record. The Conference Committee, along with Chair Damian Noriega and CSEA staff, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to successfully re-create an in-person conference in an online environment in just three short months. Based on the many notes of thanks and appreciation I have received this truly was the greatest virtual conference ever. There were many benefits to hosting a virtual conference. This year, members all over the state could attend conference at no cost from the comfort of your own living room. Over 1,900 member visitors and guests took advantage of being part of history. Conference was brought to order on July 20 with 1,717 member delegates in attendance. The first piece of business was to adopt the Special Rules of Order that would allow us to conduct the business of conference in a virtual environment. It was exciting to watch the democracy of our union in action as 1,683 delegate actions were submitted during debate leading to the adoption of the Special Rules of Order. You can read all the conference details in the Conference Recap story in this issue of Focus.

"We will need to harness our strength and unite our voices to continue to protect our members and an advocate for a safe reopening of schools."

Even though this year’s conference was held in a virtual environment, the conference committee, with the support of CSEA staff, did not let that stop them from creating an amazing event filled with live and on-demand content that included educational workshops and key video reports. Special messages from Senator Toni G. Atkins and Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon were received thanking our members for their dedication and the essential work we provide to students every day. Your generosity and commitment to your union brothers and sisters was evident at this year’s conference with a total of $50,000 being raised for the Humanitarian Fund. This year, the Humanitarian Fund Committee held two silent auctions, a live auction with mystery auctioneer “Slim Johnson”, a.k.a. First Vice-President Shane Dishman, and a “virtual” pass the bucket. Once again, our members gave generously, knowing that every dollar goes directly to our members in their time of need. As the second day of business began, delegates came together to listen as budget questions were answered and delegates voted to approve the 2020/2021 budget. This year, the Budget Committee unveiled an improved budget book format that made the review process easier for delegates. As conference concluded, we said goodbye to Area B Director Frank Rodriguez, whose leadership and devotion to our members will be missed not only in Area B but across our association. Colette Hetland has joined the Board of Directors as the new Area B Director. We also installed the duly elected Area Directors (all re-elected) and alternate Area Directors as well as the Retiree Unit Executive Board (view the entire list in this issue of Focus) and afterwards, we all celebrated with a CSEA Dance Party. Brothers and Sisters, I have never been prouder to be part of this union. Not even a pandemic could keep us from coming together to conduct the business of our union. As we continue to forge a path forward during the pandemic, there are many unknowns. One thing we can be sure of is that we are resilient, and we are strong. We will need to harness our strength and unite our voices to continue to protect our members and advocate for a safe reopening of schools. We are essential and will be needed as we prepare for a new way of life. This issue of Focus has many articles and important resources that will help you prepare for school reopening. In closing, please be safe. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and reach out to one another. In solidarity,