The majority of OSEA’s 138 chapters are based in rural communities, which can pose a unique challenge to organizing, union building and solidarity across chapters. But knowing that strength in our rural chapters is fundamental to the success of our union, the OSEA Board of Directors created the “Rural Rising” campaign this year to increase outreach and engagement with chapters outside of the I-5 corridor.

“Most of the time, because of geography and density, it’s easy to engage chapters located near Salem and Portland in our events. But easy doesn’t always mean best,” said OSEA President Sarah Wofford. “Our union can’t grow if we aren’t connecting with everyone.”

The Rural Rising campaign is designed to bring the resources of the state association to rural chapters. It kicked off in October with OSEA’s Intensive Membership Drive (IMD) Academy and membership drives in rural chapters near the State Office. It will continue throughout the year as President Wofford visits chapters across the state.

“One of our most important principles at OSEA is that every member and every chapter matter just as much as any other,” Wofford said. “We are putting our values into action to ensure that, no matter where you are from, you feel included and empowered as a member of OSEA.”

A Deep Dive into Membership Drives

The OSEA State Office was packed on Oct. 20th as members arrived from every corner of the state to participate in a full day of training and skill building during OSEA’s first IMD Academy!

OSEA Organizing Lead Elissa Edge and Field Representative Baylor Turnbow guided members through interactive lessons on one-on-one conversations, tracking involvement, sharing union stories and helping education workers speak about issues they are facing in their own workplaces. Members from 25 chapters participated in the IMD Academy, becoming expert organizers and activists with the skills needed to organize, collaborate and build membership at home and in support of other chapters.

“The IMD Academy was an informative, joyful and inspiring experience. I love seeing so many members willing to spend time diving into the training and skills practice so enthusiastically for the sake of our union,” said OSEA President Sarah Wofford. “I can’t wait to see the things these superstars will do with their new skills.”

Training Turns into Action

After completing the IMD Academy, many members stayed in the area to support membership drives in local chapters. Volunteers visited worksites to talk to bargaining unit members about OSEA and the importance of membership.

Many volunteers reported the same big takeaways from the membership drives: that education workers face similar issues in nearly every district, and that the best way to address those issues is uniting to build worker power together.

“It’s been interesting to talk to classified in a lot of different schools about their workplaces and contracts,” said Kody Heuser of Beaverton Chapter 48, who volunteered for all five days of the IMD. “When there is an issue, or something in their contract that could be better for the employees, we talk about how, as union members, we can make sure the employer isn’t taking advantage of us.”