OCSEA Steward Conference now open to ALL union activists, retiree members
Event to feature GOTV efforts, link between politics and public employee jobs

Sept. 25, 2008 - Because the Stewards Conference is just one month before the upcoming Presidential election, OCSEA wants to involve all union activists in this year's event—not just stewards.

The conference will provide opportunities for stewards to hone their skills and all activists to learn what's at stake this November.

DOWNLOAD AGENDA (pdf)  

Door prizes include a laptop computer and a bicycle. Register online now.

The Saturday, Oct. 4, event will run 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel located next to the Columbus Convention Center.

"With the November elections quickly approaching, it is very important that we focus our resources on getting out the vote," said Parks of the union's Labor 2008 initiative. "We have a great opportunity at the Steward Conference to reach out to chapter leaders, stewards and all union activists — including retiree and Next Wave members— and give them practical tools to engage our rank-and-file members."

OCSEA is counting on seasoned activists and local leaders to personally invite OCSEA's "Next Wave" to the conference.

“It’s important to introduce young members to new experiences and get them involved. Nothing has more impact on a young steward than having a mentor show you the ropes,” Parks said of the generation that came out 21 million strong in the 2004 presidential election to vote for pro-labor candidates.

The union's Labor 2008 efforts focus on member-to-member communications about issues that impact middle class families and the importance of supporting candidates who support public employee union members and the vital public services OCSEA members deliver daily in Ohio communities.

He added that retirees like Frances Henderson, Main Highway Safety Chap. 2505 and OCSEA District Council 6, and Jamie Fant, OCSEA District Council 2, have been an effective part of the union's GOTV efforts. Their activities are not impacted by the Little Hatch Act, which limits some types of political activities for public employees.

Retirees remember what public service was like before Ohio's collective bargaining law and they are passionate about protecting the union's hard-fought wins by supporting pro-labor candidates.

Check the Labor 2008 Zone Map to identify local events. For more information about local Labor 2008 activities, contact your local leaders and zone staff representatives.

Workshops feature: OIL and workers compensation; investigatory interviews; settlement skills; PEOPLE recruitment; and member mobilization.

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REGISTER ONLINE: OCSEA Steward Conference to feature link between public employee jobs and politics

DOWNLOAD AGENDA (pdf)  

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