Stern's Keynote Sets Tone for2008 General Council
"With your enormous contribution in
the last 12 years," International Union
President Andy Stern told cheering
delegates, volunteers, staffers and guests
at the 2008 SEIU 503 General Council,
"SEIU organized as many workers as it
did in its first 75."
Stern's rousing keynote speech stressed national
themes that also resounded during three days
of deliberation by Local 503's chief governing
body on a range of local issues — gaining strength
in political action, responding to member needs,
organizing more of the workforce, raising
standards for all workers and making service
quality a byword.
"Quality must be our passion and our guide," the
one-time Pennsylvania social worker said, "and
it happens to also be the only practical pathway
to protect and improve the pay and benefits our
members need."
Stern spoke at the close of the first full day of
proceedings at Lane Community College in
Eugene in August, then participated in a panel
on a strategic plan outlining the local's goals for
the next five years and beyond.
On the floor of the council and in committee
sessions, delegates engaged in typically spirited
debate and took some key actions outlined on these
pages. One of the most significant was their vote
to expand the Member Resource Center, which
now serves Homecare and Child Care providers, to
include everyone the local represents. Proponents
said the MRC will provide more immediate
assistance to workers, further inform and empower
stewards, and free staff organizers for more
worksite visits and other outreach.
General Council delegates were inspired by SEIU President Andy Stern's keynote speech.
Other highlights of the council included a workshop
on storytelling as an organizing tool, a panel on
organizing in Oregon and across the country, an
awards presentation to volunteer organizers at a
banquet at the Hilton hotel in downtown Eugene,
a social justice/workers' rights celebration in
memory of activist Lucy Lahr, and passage of
the 2009-10 budget.
Delegates had no shortages of suggested
improvements for the next General Council in 2010,
commenting on everything from the need to reduce
redundant floor debate to provide more comfortable
seating. But generally they gave the council high
marks for productivity and insight, and new delegates
seemed especially impressed if not awed. "This was a
first-time experience for me," said David Judkins, an
information specialist at the Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife, "and I know 1,000 percent more
than when I came here."
"I've gained a tremendous appreciation for what
the union does and the amazing and accomplished
people in our union," added Nancy Diamond, an
office specialist at Portland State University. "And
how much work needs to be done! The process
is far more complicated than I had ever imagined.
It has been very empowering and encouraging
for me."
"Just learning about the political process was
wonderful," said Janet Ginther-Storer, a family
childcare provider from Redmond.