The 2008 AFT Convention opened with a general session at the Convention Center on the Navy Pier in Chicago this afternoon. But before the official bang of the gavel to start the proceedings, delegates had a great opportunity to participate in meetings where they discussed and voted on a number of issues that would guide the union for the next two years. Teachers, PSRPs, Health Professionals, Higher Education Faculty and Staff, Public Employees and Retirees started the day in separate Division Meetings to talk about hot topics, issues affecting their constituencies and got a heads up on upcoming resolutions and issues facing the union.
Christine Alvarado
Judd, a member from University Health Professionals Local 3837 in Connecticut was one of many people offering insight and comment on constituent issues in the Health Care Division Meeting. Her topic was about ways to engage new, young members in their union. In speaking about her own experience in becoming active in her local union she had some advice to offer the audience. "The most important thing to do with young members is to ask them to participate. Having free food at meetings helps too," said Judd.
Judd, a member from University Health Professionals Local 3837 in Connecticut was one of many people offering insight and comment on constituent issues in the Health Care Division Meeting. Her topic was about ways to engage new, young members in their union. In speaking about her own experience in becoming active in her local union she had some advice to offer the audience. "The most important thing to do with young members is to ask them to participate. Having free food at meetings helps too," said Judd.Many union members think they will have a hard time balancing work, family, children, and all the other time consuming life pressures and be active in the union. "Yes it is 'work' to be active. But if the union is fun and meaningful and the tasks we need to get done are broken into doable sized activities we can make it happen and people will like it," said Judd.
UHP in Connecticut has over 2,500 members. Judd has been involved for the last six yea
rs since she became a part of the bargaining unit. She related her experiences where local union activists helped her learn the process, engaged her in activities she enjoyed, mentored her progress and helped her as she found more meaning in union involvement. "I have a great contract and a great union that has members who care about their work lives, their institution and their union and more people get involved every day," says Judd. "Working together we have the power to make changes that help people and the place we work- that's how our union works. Too many people have not made that connection so they may not see the value of investing their time in an effort that really can produce positive outcomes in a rewarding way," she said.
rs since she became a part of the bargaining unit. She related her experiences where local union activists helped her learn the process, engaged her in activities she enjoyed, mentored her progress and helped her as she found more meaning in union involvement. "I have a great contract and a great union that has members who care about their work lives, their institution and their union and more people get involved every day," says Judd. "Working together we have the power to make changes that help people and the place we work- that's how our union works. Too many people have not made that connection so they may not see the value of investing their time in an effort that really can produce positive outcomes in a rewarding way," she said.
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