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CONNECTION
Leaders often disseminate information and stop there. The relationship becomes one-way, taking and not giving. Even when they show up at a meeting, it's about their own platform, message, product, for you to buy. They're doing all the talking. The goal is for you to get on board with them rather than the other way around. A member may feel undervalued and that their voice does not matter.
I believe in a two-way relationship. Solidarity is not merely a five-syllable word; I will truly show up for you. I will listen first to understand, only later seeking to be understood. Information is important for us all to be on the same page, but data should not be the end; instead, I support a conversation which places the member at the center. Let us discuss and problem-solve. Let us connect and understand. Connection also means honesty and transparency; I strive for your trust.
My goal is that every member, at least every delegate in Region 1, feels a connection to me as their OEA leader. I seek to listen more than I speak.
DEMOCRACY
Some leaders consider democracy something that happens every four years, or two years, or whenever elections happen. Yes, elections are important to democracy. More important are the decisions which take place every year and every day. Who is making the decisions? How do they get to make them? Whose voice is at the table and represented? Who is impacted by our decisions?
I believe members and the delegate experience should be front and center. When the most impactful decisions are being made--on the Board, on the Executive Committee, on the Budget Committee--a bubble should not be the sole decision-makers. The largest decisions affecting OEA--our budget priorities, our organizational values, our governance--need to be representative assembly decisions given full debate and consideration beforehand.
My goal is the OEA-RA maximizes business time, focusing heavily on democratic decision-making through debate and varied voices and perspectives. We should seek the value of minority perspectives, or dissenters, as they are likely to have truth aiding us in future decisions. When decisions have to happen outside the OEA-RA, I will have shown up to your Council, listened intently, and sought to honor your voice adequately behind the scenes at the decision-making table.
EDUCATION AND EDUCATORS
Since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, OEA has had to take tough cost-cutting measures to balance the budget. While of good intent, decisions have excluded the experiences of educators across Region 1 and our entire state. Decisions have been made at the top, often behind closed doors, without the voice of delegates and members.
Sometimes we commit ourselves to noble causes. Sometimes we stretch ourselves too thin. When forming our priorities, education has to be our center. Is advocacy for bread and butter union issues happening? Are we aiming so high that we miss the trees for the forest? Do members feel they are receiving supports to remain in this profession and in OEA? Are we fighting for the schools our students deserve?
My goal is that educators (not only teachers but everyone working in education to support our students) have their experiences centered in OEA decision-making. I stand with you.
Thoughts from Valerie: What is Effective Organizing?
Proactivity--Notice a problem before it becomes one. Plan ahead. Act with intention.
Reading--The devil is in the details. Strive to connect words on paper to real people who are impacted.
Empathetic and Critical Listening--Be present for moments of reactivity. Listen to understand and to analyze deeper.
Ask Questions--When it matters most, question those in power. Point out inconsistencies. Hold people accountable.
Answer Questions--Information should be open and transparent. As a leader, it is okay not to know and admit you do not know then seek the answer. Follow up so the question ends up getting answered.
Have Conversations with Varying Viewpoints--You learn nothing in a bubble. Talk with people with whom you may disagree but may find shared values. Listen to points of contention and find sweet spots to move closer. Know when to stand up and know when to recognize and respect the other viewpoint.
Educate--Bring in a new viewpoint to a conversation or a group which has not already been shared.
Mobilize--Build power through collective action. Action does not have to be a strike, but smaller actions over time--speaking up when it is unpopular, bringing forward a petition of signatures, building coalitions especially through a caucus, starting a committee or an action team, preparing a document which creates accessibility into complicated systems, and elevating the voices of others to show common values, widespread sentiment and commitment, and the growth of participation and leadership over time to sustain a movement.
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