Womens' Action Committee conferees learn new skills to manage life's ups, downs

June 3, 2008 - Life doesn't slow down for us. Balancing work and home priorities, guarding personal identity information, managing finances, and staying healthy are all issues that demand attention and impact womens' lives every day.

OCSEA Womens' Action Committee members know that the lives of union activists tend to be especially busy and full, so they coordinated the May 30 - June 1, 2008, conference activities around the theme: Life Comes at You Fast: Be Ready.

In fact, WAC Chair Laura Morris recognized several union sisters and brothers who passed away recently and shared a special photo presentation (PDF) in their honor. Morris is a member of the the union's Board of Directors, representing OCSEA District 6.

Members, who gathered for the weekend at Salt Fork State Park Resort near Cambridge, participated in three different workshops:

• Organizational Skills - Karen Augustine, Author of Neat Niche
• Identity Theft - Kimberly Ray, Treasurer of State's Office
• Alternative Medicine - Diane Fisher, American Institute of Alternative Medicine

More than 150 OCSEA leaders and activists heard from speakers who also supported this theme on a variety of topics.

Special guest speakers included the First Lady of the State of Ohio Frances Strickland, and State of Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray. Other OCSEA leaders who addressed members included:

• Eddie L. Parks, President
• Andy Douglas, Executive Director
• Chris Mabe, Vice President
• Kathy Stewart, Secretary-Treasurer
• Carol Bowshier, Director of Administrative Services and Health Care Policy

Other activities included a Friday evening reception — complete with line dancing, cards, board games and movies.

Everyone had a great time. Members' smiles are proof. Check out the photo albums below.

See Related

Photo Album - All Photos

• Exhibit Booths & Networking
• Friday Evening Reception
• Saturday Morning Session
• Saturday Afternoon Workshops
• Saturday Evening Reception
• Sunday Morning Session

Memorial Slides in honor of union brothers and sisters who have recently passed (PDF)