As students prepare to return to school, we lay the foundation for chapter strength in the year ahead. It's time to chart a course towards solidarity and growth in your chapters, which starts with ensuring your leadership is on the same page.
Strong chapter leadership teams make people feel supported to step up and try new things. When your members know you've got their backs, they are more comfortable doing union work and organizing their coworkers. After all, none of us can do it alone!
To make the most of the year ahead, you'll need:
- A full executive board
- A schedule for chapter meetings
- A plan for welcoming new coworkers
- Strategies for communicating with your members
If that sounds like a lot, don't worry! We have a training that will get your chapter in tip-top shape to tackle the year ahead: the chapter leader readiness training. Your field representative can give this training, and you'll come out of it feeling confident that you have a structure in place to meet your chapter's and your members' needs.
"I highly encourage all chapter leaders to ask their field representatives to give the chapter leader readiness training, because every strong chapter starts with a plan for growth," President Sarah Wofford said. "Getting on the same page with your fellow leaders right at the start of the school year is the launch pad you need to really shine in the months ahead."
Completing the chapter leader readiness training will leave you with a sense of security because you'll know you are in full compliance (do two officers sign all of your chapter checks?) and you'll have a strategic plan for representation and organizing. A solid foundation will allow you to build momentum during the school year – which is extra important if this will be a bargaining year. Strong membership is the number one way to give your bargaining team the support they need to win big for your unit, because it tells the district that your coworkers are united.
This training is especially necessary if you have new members on your executive board, since it covers each officer's responsibilities. But it's also extremely effective for existing executive boards. It will refresh your knowledge and ensure you and your board are aligned on the year's goals and your path to success.
Reach out to your field representative today to schedule a chapter leader readiness training for your chapter! The training takes about 90 minutes and can be done virtually, if needed.