There are many ways to be a hero. Going by dictionary.com, the definition of hero might as well say “OSEA member.” On the weekend of Feb. 28th-March 2nd, OSEA heroes showed up in force.
Chapter Leadership Heroes
At the Leadership Summit on Saturday, March 1st, under the tutelage of our Field Operations Department and OSEA’s national affiliate, the AFT, chapter leaders learned new techniques, honed our skills and shared our experiences in all areas of chapter governance. We practiced grievance writing, worksite organizing, new employee orientations, communications and campaigns. Members worked together through role play, worksite mapping, and applying our own contracts to hypothetical scenarios. The session ended with some coastal heroes receiving a Solidarity Superstars award for their work during some contentious organizing. Tillamook Chapter 28 was recognized for the way they educated members, garnered community support and arranged some well attended rallies. Zone I Director Misty Talerico and Chapter 28 President Kau’i Woolfolk accepted the award on behalf of their chapter.
Legislative Education Day Heroes
One of my favorite perks of being involved with OSEA is heading to Salem every two years for Legislative Education Day (LED). During a day of hands-on learning, organized by our Government Relations staff and state committee, I enjoyed listening to members use their hero voices to fine-tune their own occupational realities and practice well paced legislative pitches. The next day, we headed to the Capitol to talk with our representatives. Some members even went on to testify before a legislative committee on House or Senate bills that we are sponsoring or endorsing. Our stories worked – four more legislators had signed on to OSEA’s priority bills by the end of the day!
Thank you to former OSEA employee and new State Representative, Lesly Muñoz, for speaking on behalf of one of our bills and for joining us for an afternoon mingle and mocktail. We are also appreciative of Governor Tina Kotek for stopping by to share her education vision for this legislative session, her commitment to affordable housing, and the traditional stairway photo op!
Community Heroes
OSEA members leapt into action when one of our van drivers had a medical emergency during LED. Their truly heroic response ensured that no one else was injured and that the driver got assistance as quickly as possible. Our OSEA family is sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery.
As school and community service employees, we are all used to stepping up to handle whatever a situation requires. There is no telling what could have happened if those members had not been on the scene. We are very grateful to the heroes of the day: Brent Halse, Marie Hardwick, Julie Meraz, Ela Achen and Sandra Gibson – I have no doubt that your quick action during a crisis saved lives.
Thank you to everyone who shared their weekend with us. We’ll do it again in March of 2027! ■