OSEA President
The first weekend in August, I had the honor of spending time with our amazingly dedicated Board of Directors at our annual retreat. After welcoming OSEA's new Vice President elected at Conference, we came together to plan how to best support you – our members – in the year ahead.
The theme we kept returning to was “Back to Basics.” For me, it’s more than a program. It’s about reconnecting with what truly makes OSEA strong: our members. At its heart, our union exists to organize, to bargain and to represent – and those skills live in our chapters and at our worksites.
We often say OSEA is “a member’s union.” And that means it is on us – the education workers who make up our union – to keep OSEA strong. We are fortunate to have a team of amazing, knowledgeable and dedicated staff who help us along, but we can’t forget that our true power comes from us. Education workers founded OSEA. Education workers grew our union from a small group of custodians in a single district (Eugene Chapter 1) to a vast, statewide network representing more than 25,000 workers in 140 chapters across Oregon. OSEA is not a service that we subscribe to. It is a movement that we are building together.
That’s why I want to hear from you directly. I want to know what’s really happening in your schools and worksites, and what members truly need. This is my personal invitation and request: invite me to your chapter, call me, email me, let me sit down with your members. I want to spend this year with you hearing your needs and helping our members be their best.
Phone: (541) 912-2223
Email: sarahw@osea.org
Every member has a unique perspective and skillset. We can all contribute to building OSEA into the strong, member-driven union we deserve – now and into the future. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are some ways to plug in:
- People-person? Become a worksite organizer (WSO) to welcome new hires and keep coworkers connected.
- Proud to stand up for others? Train as a steward, get to know your contract, and help defend your coworkers' rights.
- Excited to win a strong contract? Join your chapter's contract action team (CAT) to keep members engaged and show management our solidarity.
- Change-maker? Get involved in OSEA's legislative advocacy – your voice moves policy through worker- and education-friendly legislation.
- Creative? Support chapter communications through newsletters, social media or fliers.
- Chapter leader? Don’t go it alone – build networks of stewards, WSOs and CAT members.
- Brand new? Welcome! Plug into OSEA trainings and bring your ideas to your next chapter meeting.
The work of building OSEA begins in our chapters, at our worksites, with our coworkers. This is the time to get started – let’s make this a year of growth, shining solidarity and member power.
In unity,
Sarah Wofford
OSEA President