President's Letter: Our Past, Our Present, Our Future
This year marks 250 years since our country declared its independence, or as we might say today, “No Kings!” Over the next few weeks, leaders representing different interests will offer their informed opinions on how we should think about that historically, for our lives today, and what it means as we lean into our future.
This is not going to be one of those essays. But I mention the anniversary because it helps frame what it means for us to come together and help choose the direction for our union.
In this issue of The Union Spotlight, there are several features on candidates AFT Washington is endorsing in the August primary election. Volunteer members of COPE spent hours developing questionnaires, reading responses, interviewing legislative and judicial candidates, and debating everything they read, heard, and learned to come up with a list of recommendations for the Executive Board. I respect the hard work and am grateful for the commitment to implementing our democratic values through this process. That’s one way our members have historically participated in helping our members make informed decisions.
Also in this issue is an opportunity for members to make a choice today about getting involved in building our union’s future – and that is by registering for Powerful Locals. I’ve shared before how, years ago, working with other union leaders at this event was a catalyst for activism. It was there I did my first house visits to potential union members and had some of my first conversations about the power of our union. It reframed for me all of the learning I’d done and all of the “inside baseball” I’d talked with people who were already members, and made me understand what it means to advocate for that first step of joining the union.
As an educator, we tell our students all the time that you know for certain that you know something when you are able to explain it to others. This was when I knew precisely why the work we are doing is vital, and a foundation from which all important changes become possible. House visits aren’t on the agenda this year, but I am excited to work with members who are going to learn how to bargain their first contract, how to have their first conversation, how they can support other faculty through a stressful grievance process. I am also looking forward to being with members at the beautiful Evergreen State College campus, surrounded by wildlife, dining in the longhouse, and taking the time to have the conversations that will continue to inspire us to stand up and support each other.
Looking towards the future, I am elevating that nationally, and in our state, there are plans for major rallies and events for Labor Day. Let’s get together and flex our constitutional rights of free speech and assembly. Unions didn’t drive workplace improvements for well over a century just to sit out one of the holidays that honors workers – honors us – and honors our labor. Coming together to celebrate ourselves is joyous and a chance to both connect with our union siblings and share what unions are with people currently unrepresented.
Finally, let’s acknowledge the joy that lies ahead with the changing season. I encourage everyone to find space in the longer days and warmer nights to recharge. Whether that means reaching out to family, taking in a baseball game, going for a hike, ride, or paddle, reading a book, working in the garden, eating ice cream to cool off, or simply sitting quietly and enjoying the world around you, summers are special. My hope for us all is that we celebrate, honor, and take care of ourselves and each other over the next few months...and maybe enjoy some fireworks along the way.