Member involvement is what makes us great

This final President's message signifies the end of another chapter in my life with CSEA and, by now, there have been enough chapters to write a novel. What an adventure it has been! From newbie custodian to chapter president, area director and now association president, I still find it incredibly humbling that you have entrusted me with the responsibility of this office. When I look back on this latest chapter of my CSEA story, I think of all the challenges we have overcome during my five years in office. We fought off multiple attempts at expanding charter schools in California. We only need look at states that have allowed them to flourish to see that their main purpose is to line the pockets of their owners with taxpayer dollars, not educate their students. Charters are an absolute threat to public education and one that we must continue to stand guard against.

We have worked on the front lines of this pandemic from day one, feeding our communities and keeping our students safely learning.

We have weathered the repercussions of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Janus decision much more successfully than we had expected and are putting together a plan to recoup lost membership and put us on a path to future growth. And, of course, we have faced the still-ongoing trials of COVID-19. I already knew that CSEA members never falter in the face of adversity, that we never back down from a challenge. Well, now the entire state knows that. We have worked on the front lines of this pandemic from day one, feeding our communities and keeping our students safely learning. That could not have happened without us and trust me, everyone from the Governor on down took notice. That is why we earned historic layoff protections last year and have a bill in the Legislature to make those permanent for all classifications, just like our certificated and administrative colleagues. That is why we successfully secured full funding for last school year during uncertain financial times, additional funding early this year for rehiring laid off paras and hiring new paras, and now are seeing school funding at levels never seen in California’s history.

Throughout it all, we looked out for each other by securing the PPE needed to keep us safe at work and successfully negotiating MOUs to protect our health and our livelihoods.

Throughout it all, we looked out for each other by securing the PPE needed to keep us safe at work and successfully negotiating MOUs to protect our health and our livelihoods. Looking out for each other is what we do – it is why this union exists - but it can only happen when each of us are actively involved. Whether handing out flyers at work, recruiting your work peers to become part of our union, or running for a leadership position with your chapter, there are many ways you can make a difference in our union. When a new association president enters office, they are given the task of appointing members as regional representatives and to serve on statewide committees. Whether it be the Budget, Conference, Legislative or any of our many other committees, these play an important role in the leadership of CSEA. Applications for those committees are now open and I encourage you to consider applying at CSEA.com/Volunteer. As this chapter comes to a close, I am excited for the new one that is beginning. I may be stepping down from my current role, but I will continue to play an active role in CSEA. My retirement date is fast approaching and at the top of my to-do list is registering as a retiree member and getting involved in the Retiree Unit. I also look forward to continuing my service on the Board of Directors as association past president. Above all else, I look forward to remaining a member of this big, beautiful family we have created. Our work will always be needed, and our friendships will always be cherished. I’ll see you around and when I do, you can bet I’ll say thank you for all that you do. And don’t forget to keep smiling.

Ben Valdepeña, Association President