President's Message
Your union web source on convention news and business

Welcome!

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Welcome to the OCSEA/AFSCME Local 11 28th Biennial Convention! Every two years over 500 delegates from our 160-plus chapters and other subordinate bodies come together to set the future direction of this union.

As with the last convention, you will be asked to make tough decisions about whether or not to amend our constitution and about what policy statements OCSEA should make through the adoption of resolutions. Clearly, you have an important responsibility over the next three days.

You will hear from speakers who will help inspire and motivate us to stay strong during these trying times. Exhibit booths will showcase services and programs the union and their stakeholders offer. You can drop a raffle ticket in an auction basket at the PEOPLE booth, buy a t-shirt at the Next Wave exhibit or earn $50 by taking a health risk assessment at the Take Charge! Live Well! table. Workshops will give delegates a flavor of the challenges ahead for OCSEA, like health care reform, building a new generation of union activists and organizing our chapters.

At this convention, delegates will be working extra hard, but there will also be a number of new and entertaining activities. Check out this convention program for information on the first ever “Delegate Dinner” on Thursday night. On Friday night, delegates will be “Getting on Board” a riverboat for a dinner cruise.

The union’s future depends on you – whether it’s here at this convention or on the legislative front. That’s why we’re asking you to “Get on Board.” This is your union, after all. As we look ahead, all of us will need to consider how to contribute to shaping the future of our state as we navigate through these difficult times, whether it’s getting involved in OCSEA’s PEOPLE program, helping to mobilize your chapter or helping shape your agency’s vision. We need everyone to climb aboard and help us navigate these troubled waters together.

In Solidarity,

EDDIE L. PARKS
President
OHIO CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
AFSCME LOCAL 11